Accessibility mat damaged after three vehicles illegally drive on Oak Island beach

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Three vehicles, including a truck, a passenger car, and a Low Speed Vehicle, illegally accessed the beach near SE 40th Street during the overnight and early Monday morning, according to a news release from the Town of Oak Island.

The town said this is a violation of Town Ordinance 28-5, which prohibits motor vehicles from being operated on the beach strand. While attempting to exit the beach, all three vehicles became stuck in the sand and required assistance. One vehicle was removed by a private towing company, while Town staff assisted with the other two.

Multiple citations were issued to the drivers for violating the ordinance.

During the removal process, the vehicles caused significant damage to the Mobility Access Mat (Mobi-Mat) located at the SE 40th Street access. As a result, the Mobi-Mat has been removed until it can be repaired or replaced.

“Due to limited availability and seasonal demand for similar products, an exact replacement time is not currently available,” the town stated in the release.

The SE 40th Street access is one of ten designated assist locations in Oak Island featuring Mobi-Mats, which are funded through a combination of town resources and community partnerships. The town said reinstallation of the mat is a high priority, as only a limited number of the 65 beach access points can accommodate Mobi-Mats due to geographical and parking constraints.

The Public Works Department is actively working on repair or replacement options.

For a list of alternative beach access points with Mobi-Mats and other handicap-accessible features, click here.