Four-legged Rocky Sullivan was clipped by a speeding four-wheel-drive during a family outing at Boambee Beach when a driver “probably doing about 80 just didn’t lift his foot”, according to Debbie Sullivan.

“Rocky ran in front of the four-wheel-drive and I think it clipped his tail, then he came up to us and rolled over,” she said.

“Miraculously, our five-year-old daughter Gabby was not chasing the dog, which she normally does.

“The bad element, the minority of four-wheel-drive users who have no regard for walkers or dogs, might as well not come down here at all.

“Kids, cars and dogs don’t mix.”

Elsewhere, permits regulate beach access.

“I think a permit system is a really good idea to regulate and control four-wheel-drivers,” Debbie said.

“There’s a lot of four-wheel-drivers who’ve got no idea about the rules and regulations.”

In Coffs Harbour, the beach speed limit is 50km/h, reduced to 25km/h within 100m of other beach users. These limits are signposted at vehicular entrances to beaches.

Coffs Harbour City Council has two leash-free areas on beaches where vehicles are prohibited – North Wall Beach and Emerald Beach, north of Fiddamans Creek.

A council spokesperson said resources were limited to four rangers and they were unable to police speeding on local beaches.

Members of the public are invited to record the registration number, make and colour of a vehicle they observe speeding and council rangers will pursue the allegation.

Any dangerous driving should be referred to the police for action, according to the council spokesperson.

Permits are opposed by both Coffs Coast four-wheel-drive clubs, who claim this would have an adverse impact on the large numbers of tourist vehicles driving on our beaches.

Coffs Harbour Four Wheel Drive Club public officer Shane Sawtell believes dog owners should take more responsibility for their animals.

“You often see dogs loose, a long way from their owners, and dogs are a bit inclined to bite at the wheels of cars,” he said. “So, both parties need to be more aware.”

Shane said council rangers should “police it more”.