Latest news with #BlackRockSands
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle are submerged by the sea after owners 'ignored warnings of fast tide'
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle were sumberged by vicious waves on a Welsh beach after their owners 'ignored warnings of a fast tide'. The vehicles suffered the same fate within days of each other at scenic Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog. A VW camper van was swamped on June 8 after being parked on the sand, while another campervan also succumbed to the water on Friday 13. One day later, a white convertible beetle was also soaked - though it reappeared the next morning. Black Rock Sands is one of the few beaches in north Wales where cars are allowed to drive, but its gentle shelf means the tide comes in fast. Waterlogged sand quickly traps vehicles leaving little chance of escape, without help. Local Kevin Gibson said he had seen many drivers often get caught out: 'It's one of the very few beaches which you can drive on. It's very popular. People don't take notice.' 'When they drive on the beach they are warned not to drive past warning signs of soft sand and fast tide. 'Unfortunately we are seeing cars get caught out all too often as the warnings are ignored. I do feel sorry for the people, it is shame for them.' Kevin Wardlaw, who spotted the campervan, said: 'I can see how easy it could be for people to get caught out, but there are signs there.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle are submerged by the waves on Welsh beach within days of each other after owners 'ignored warnings of fast tide'
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle were sumberged by vicious waves on a Welsh beach after their owners 'ignored warnings of a fast tide'. The vehicles suffered the same fate within days of each other at scenic Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog - sending tens of thousands of pounds down the drain. A VW camper van was swamped on June 8 after being parked on the sand while another campervan also succumbed to the water on Friday 13. One day later, a white convertible beetle was also soaked - though it reappeared the next morning. Black Rock Sands is one of the few beaches in north Wales where cars are allowed to drive but its gentle shelf means the tide comes in fast. Waterlogged sand quickly traps vehicles leaving little chance of escape, without help. Local Kevin Gibson said he had seen many drivers often get caught out. He explained: 'The local council charges people £8.00 to park cars. 'It's one of the very few beaches which you can drive on. 'It's very popular. 'People don't take notice. 'When they drive on the beach they are warned not to drive past warning signs of soft sand and fast tide. 'Unfortunately we are seeing cars get caught out all too often as the warnings are ignored. 'I do feel sorry for the people, it is shame for them.' Kevin Wardlaw, who spotted the campervan, said: 'I can see how easy it could be for people to get caught out, but there are signs there.'
Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Pictured: Drivers caught out by high tides at Welsh beauty spot
Expensive cars and campervans are getting wrecked at a beauty spot on the Welsh coast as the tide catches out drivers. Motorists are repeatedly running into trouble at Traeth y Greigddu, or Black Rock Sands, in North Wales where they are allowed to park on the sand. Cars are routinely submerged in the sand and vulnerable to being swept out to sea by fast-flowing waters. Five vehicles were trapped by the rising waters in April after parking on the shore, including a new Mercedes coupé and an Audi. Council officials have warned drivers against leaving their cars on the beach at Morfa Bychan, a village near the resort town of Porthmadog in Gwynedd, after saying their officers were unable to rescue every trapped vehicle. A Gwynedd council spokesman said: 'Where possible, during staffed hours, council officers will endeavour to recover any vehicles that get into such difficulties. 'However, in some cases it may be necessary to seek assistance from a third-party contractor, for which the driver or owner of the vehicle would be responsible for the associated costs. 'We welcome everyone who wishes to spend time on our beautiful beaches and coastal areas. However, we want everyone to enjoy themselves safely.' The spokesman reminded visitors to Traeth y Greigddu to check the weather forecast and tide times before parking on the sand, and 'to treat the sea and coastline with respect'. Gwynedd council advised drivers to park above the high-water mark and not to leave their cars unattended. 'Multiple signs are positioned along the beach at Morfa Bychan to warn users of the potential dangers and to indicate areas of the beach where vehicles are prohibited from accessing,' the council said in a statement. 'On occasion, the vehicles of those who have not heeded the warning signs can become trapped on the beach due to soft sand, having driven onto the sand banks, or because they have parked below the high-tide line.' The beach was used as a backdrop for the Manic Street Preachers ' 1998 album cover This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours.
