Latest news with #ChrisMaxted
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Strict ban across UK beaches that could land you with £1,000 fine… is YOUR nearest on the list?
Dog owners heading to the coast this summer have been issued a warning as a strict ban comes into force across UK beaches. Hundreds of beaches have brought in dog bans that were rolled out on May 1 and are set to last until the end of September. Some beaches have banned dogs completely, while others are only allowing them during certain hours or if they're kept on leads. Additionally, certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm. The rules vary depending on the area, but anyone caught breaking them could face a £100 fine on the spot - and up to £1,000 if it goes to court. The seasonal restrictions are designed to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer months, with locals using a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to enforce the rules. Chris Maxted, who runs a dog gate firm called Dog-G8, explained: 'Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. 'Dog fouling and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. 'Public spaces protection orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. 'These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing.' Most beaches allow dogs between October and April, he added - but enforce the orders in the summer months. Maxted continued: 'It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. 'Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades.' Despite the strict ban coming into force, there is still an abundance of coastal areas to explore where dogs are welcome all year round. Devon, for example, has a whopping 79 dog-friendly beaches, so even with the bans in place, there's still plenty of coastline to enjoy with your pooch across the UK. Guide dogs, on the other hand, are allowed on all beaches - but only if they're working, wearing a harness, and on a lead. The summer dog ban was first brought in by Weymouth in 2019, prompting dozens of beaches to follow suit in subsequent years, especially as tourist numbers rise over the warmer months. Most local council websites have up-to-date info on which beaches are dog-friendly and when. Maxted added: 'To find out which beaches are open all year round and dog-friendly, it's best to check your local council website. 'Most councils provide up-to-date information on beach regulations, including any seasonal restrictions or rules regarding pets, so you can plan your visit accordingly.' It comes as Tower Hamlets council are introducing a strict set of rules for dog owners after a string of attacks left an 11-year-old girl with life-changing injuries and saw two Cane Corso's shot dead after mauling a woman. Under the new rules, which were approved under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), dogs will still be allowed to play freely off-lead in all parks and green spaces in the borough. However, dogs will be banned from certain areas such as gated children's play areas and sports areas and there will be a requirement for a maximum of four dogs per person, unless they have a professional council-issued dog walker licence.
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt
Owners are being urged to check local council websites before letting their pups frolic on the beach BEACH PLEASE Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt HUNDREDS of UK beaches are now subject to new dog rules rolled out last week, with some beaches banning dogs entirely until autumn. Owners could face hefty fines of up to £1,000 if caught flouting the rules. Advertisement 2 Rule-breakers risk a £100 on-the-spot fine - or up to £1,000 if it ends up in court Credit: Getty The dog bans took effect on May 1 and will remain in force until September. The crackdown aims to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer season - but pet owners are being urged to check local rules. Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate firm Dog-G8, explained: "Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. "Dog excrement and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. Advertisement "Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. "These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing." He added: "It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. "Many beaches allow dogs from October 1 to April 30 but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders. Advertisement "Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades. "Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or, if escalated to court, a fine of up to £1,000." First new road bridge crossing River Clyde in 20 years opens to drivers TODAY Maxted pointed out that many beaches remain dog-friendly all year round. He said: "Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations. Advertisement "This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions." Guide dogs are exempt, but only if they're working, wearing a harness and on a lead. Dog-friendly beach information can be found on local council websites. The strict rules began in 2019, when Weymouth Beach first implemented the dog ban. Advertisement Although beaches in Wirral attempted to enforce a similar ban back in 2017, their efforts were unsuccessful. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) often runs from the start of May to September 30, during the busy tourist season. The rules vary: some beaches enforce a full dog ban, while others allow dogs as long as they're kept on a leash at all times. Certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm. Advertisement Regions with dog-friendly beaches where bans don't apply Devon: 79 Cornwall: 60 Northumberland: 37 Dorset: 37 Cumbria: 24 Yorkshire: 24 Norfolk: 21 Kent: 19 East Sussex: 18 Isle of Wight: 15 County Durham: 12 Merseyside: 11 West Sussex: 11 Suffolk: 9 Essex: 8 Lancashire: 8 Lincolnshire: 5 Hampshire: 4 Tyne and Wear: 3 Gloucestershire: 1 Isles of Scilly: 1
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt
HUNDREDS of UK beaches are now subject to new dog rules rolled out last week, with some beaches banning dogs entirely until autumn. Owners could face hefty fines of up to £1,000 if caught flouting the rules. 2 Rule-breakers risk a £100 on-the-spot fine - or up to £1,000 if it ends up in court Credit: Getty The dog bans took effect on May 1 and will remain in force until September. The crackdown aims to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer season - but pet owners are being urged to check local rules. Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate firm Dog-G8, explained: "Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. "Dog excrement and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. Read more on travel "Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. "These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing." He added: "It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. "Many beaches allow dogs from October 1 to April 30 but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders. Most read in News Travel "Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades. "Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or, if escalated to court, a fine of up to £1,000." First new road bridge crossing River Clyde in 20 years opens to drivers TODAY Maxted pointed out that many beaches remain dog-friendly all year round. He said: "Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations. "This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions." Guide dogs are exempt, but only if they're working, wearing a harness and on a lead. Dog-friendly beach information can be found on local council websites. The strict rules began in 2019, when Weymouth Beach first Although beaches in Wirral attempted to enforce a similar ban back in 2017, their efforts were unsuccessful. The The rules vary: some beaches enforce a full dog ban, while others allow dogs as long as they're kept on a leash at all times. Certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm. Regions with dog-friendly beaches where bans don't apply Devon: 79 Cornwall: 60 Northumberland: 37 Dorset: 37 Cumbria: 24 Yorkshire: 24 Norfolk: 21 Kent: 19 East Sussex: 18 Isle of Wight: 15 County Durham: 12 Merseyside: 11 West Sussex: 11 Suffolk: 9 Essex: 8 Lancashire: 8 Lincolnshire: 5 Hampshire: 4 Tyne and Wear: 3 Gloucestershire: 1 Isles of Scilly: 1 2 Devon boasts as many as 79 dog-friendly beaches Credit: Getty
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt
HUNDREDS of UK beaches are now subject to new dog rules rolled out last week, with some beaches banning dogs entirely until autumn. Owners could face hefty fines of up to £1,000 if caught flouting the rules. 2 The dog bans took effect on May 1 and will remain in force until September. The crackdown aims to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer season - but pet owners are being urged to check local rules. Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate firm Dog-G8, explained: "Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. "Dog excrement and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. "Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. "These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing." He added: "It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. "Many beaches allow dogs from October 1 to April 30 but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders. "Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades. "Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or, if escalated to court, a fine of up to £1,000." Maxted pointed out that many beaches remain dog-friendly all year round. He said: "Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations. "This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions." Guide dogs are exempt, but only if they're working, wearing a harness and on a lead. Dog-friendly beach information can be found on local council websites. The strict rules began in 2019, when Weymouth Beach first implemented the dog ban. Although beaches in Wirral attempted to enforce a similar ban back in 2017, their efforts were unsuccessful. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) often runs from the start of May to September 30, during the busy tourist season. The rules vary: some beaches enforce a full dog ban, while others allow dogs as long as they're kept on a leash at all times. Certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm.
South Wales Argus
10-05-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Argus
Dog walking bans on beaches now in force across the UK
The restrictions run from May to September and local regulations could mean hefty fines. The dog bans are there to protect water quality and keep beaches safe and clean for visitors, but some pet owners may be unaware of them. Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate supplier Dog-G8, shares the regions with beaches still available for dogs and how to check local regulations to avoid fines of up to £1,000. What are seasonal beach bans? "Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value,' Mr Maxted explained. "Dog excrement and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming. "Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. "These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing." Where could I be fined? "It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly,' Mr Maxted said. "Many beaches allow dogs from October 1 to April 30 but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders. "Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades. "Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or, if escalated to court, a fine of up to £1,000." To find out which beaches are open all year round and dog-friendly, it's best to check your local council website. Regions with dog-friendly beaches Devon: 79 Cornwall: 60 Northumberland: 37 Dorset: 37 Cumbria: 24 Yorkshire: 24 Norfolk: 21 Kent: 19 East Sussex: 18 Isle of Wight: 15 County Durham: 12 Merseyside: 11 West Sussex: 11 Suffolk: 9 Essex: 8 Lancashire: 8 Lincolnshire: 5 Hampshire: 4 Tyne and Wear: 3 Gloucestershire: 1 Isles of Scilly: 1 Recommended reading: "Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations,' Mr Maxted added. "This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions." Guide dogs are allowed on beaches all year round but only when working, in a harness and controlled by a lead.
