Colchester City Council is planning to crack down on antisocial use, illegal or obstructive mooring, littering and environmental damage on the coast of Mersea Island and surrounding areas.
Safe for everyone
The city council is holding a public consultation on a possible new ban, officially called a “public space protection order”, on so-called personal watercraft (PWC) such as jet skis and small, powerful boats. Councillor Carl Powling, who represents Mersea and Pyefleet, said it’s all about keeping Essex beaches and coasts “safe for everyone.”
He added: “This is a chance for our community to help shape a balanced, fair approach that protects safety while supporting responsible enjoyment of our coastline. Thank you to everyone who has already engaged with this work – your input is helping drive real progress for Mersea.”
Mr Powling, who is chair of the Colchester Waterfront Forum, has been working “closely” with other council members to bring forward the proposed ban.
Operation Wave-Breaker
It follows Essex Police’s operation to combat anti-social behaviour along the Essex coastline. Operation Wave-Breaker was launched in 2021 by the force’s marine unit, and the force says reported incidents dropped significantly.
The Operation’s aims were to “reduce speeding and anti-social behaviour from powered watercraft, increase awareness of the dangers of powered watercraft being driven at speed, and to promote water safety.”
The police marine unit deployed targeted patrols in hotspot areas in the summer seasons. They used Seadoo skis provided by Maldon District council, purchased at a cost of £18,000.
Incidents of PWC-related anti-social behaviour in the area reduced from 99 in 2020 to 74 in 2022.
However, officials believe further controls are necessary.
Jet skis can cause damage
If jet skis are driven too fast in sensitive areas, environmental damage can be caused, including:
Disturbance to marine life and birds: Possibly causing birds to abandon nests, eggs, or young.
Physical habitat destruction: Fast speeds in shallow water can cause erosion and stir up sediment, affecting sea grass beds.
Water and noise pollution: Engines can release oil into the water, damaging marine eco-systems. The engines causes noise pollution, which can disturb wildlife and people.
Dolphin/ seal disturbance: There have been reports of jet skiers deliberately chasing or passing too close to seals and dolphins. Seals are often seen at Mersea.
Public consultation
The public are being asked whether new measures should be adopted to prevent harmful behaviours. It has been suggested that the following should be forbidden:
- To operate a PWC at a speed exceeding 4 knots (equivalent to fast walking speed) unless otherwise stated, within 300 metres of the shoreline or where speed restrictions are displayed.
- To perform dangerous manoeuvres, aggressive acceleration, or erratic changes of direction, or to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- To moor a PWC to navigation markers or buoys.
- To throw any litter, plastics, fuel containers, oil or waste into the water or onto the foreshore.
Failing to comply with these rules would be a summary offence under Section 67 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Consultation
The city council said: “If approved, the order would cover the restricted area and last for three years. The public is invited to submit its views on proposals to introduce this order within the entire Colchester district, including all public coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, launching sites, and associated foreshore areas.”
Hurry! The consultation runs until Monday 6 April at noon. To take part in the Colchester City Council’s public space protection order consultation, click here.
More from East Anglia Bylines
Friends of Bylines Network
There has never been a greater need for grassroots journalism that investigates the stories that really matter, holds power to account and champions the voices of everyday citizens. We are proudly powered by volunteers but what we do isn’t free.
STAND WITH US for independent, citizen-led journalism that makes democracy stronger, and you will even get some exclusive benefits.
