Ocean City May Allow Cars On Beach To Boost Offseason Economy

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) -- Town leaders in Ocean City will consider a proposal that would allow surf fishermen to drive up to the shore break.

Councilman Joe Mitrecic tells The Daily Times that it could bolster the offseason economy. A committee will make recommendations to the Town Council at a work session on Tuesday.

The proposal calls for a one-year pilot program running from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, from November through March, excluding holidays. Cars only would be allowed between 27th Street and 94th Street. Vehicle trailers and all-terrain vehicles would not be allowed. A permit would cost $75.

Preliminary concerns about the proposal include environmental concerns such as oil spills or dune damage and whether inexperienced drivers could get stuck.

The Ocean City Police Department does not support the idea.

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