Anyone with an interest in Loch Lomond is urged to share their views on the proposed changes to the loch’s byelaws.
A public consultation was launched in the summer to gather views on the proposed changes and the Park Authority wants to hear from local residents, businesses, loch users, emergency services and interest groups by tomorrow (Wednesday).
A user registration scheme for individuals using motorised craft on Loch Lomond, low-powered activity zones and compulsory wearing of flotation devices for under-16s are among the changes proposed by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA).
The proposals follow calls by some for a blanket ban on loch jet skis, with Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie claiming many are unregistered, while blasting those who drive them while drunk and at dangerous speeds.
Luss Estates Company and Luss and Arden Community Council also say a ban must be considered unless tighter rules are established and effectively enforced, which has been vigorously opposed by Loch Lomond Boats and Jet Skis, who said a blanket ban was a “wholly disproportionate response”.
The byelaws manage safe and responsible use of Loch Lomond and must be reviewed every 10 years.
Kenny Auld, head of visitor services at LLTNPA, said: “The Loch Lomond Byelaws are an important tool that we use to manage activity on the loch and to support people to enjoy the water safely and responsibly.
“[A] key proposal we’re keen to hear people’s views on is the creation of a new user registration scheme for people using powered craft to help us to more easily identify individuals in the event of a byelaw contravention and strengthen the deterrent against irresponsible or unsafe behaviour.”
Views received as part of the consultation will help shape the final proposed byelaws that will be presented to the National Park Authority Board and then, subject to board approval, to Scottish Ministers for approval.
The six key changes to the byelaws being proposed in the consultation are:
● The creation of zones for only low or non-powered activities (such as swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing) in order to improve safety in areas where there is a higher risk of safety issues, conflict and disturbance.
● The compulsory wearing of personal flotation devices (such as life jackets) for everyone under 16 on all vessels when on open decks to improve safety for young people.
● The transfer of liability for offences committed by someone under 16 in sole charge of a powered vessel to the registered owner of the vessel when there is no supervising adult.
● The introduction of a new Loch Lomond User Registration Scheme, in addition to the registration of a vessel, meaning any individual using a motorised vessel must be registered with the Park Authority in advance. This is to make the identification of individuals easier in the event of a byelaw contravention.
● Simplify processes around businesses operating on the loch by changing the existing Permission to Trade byelaw to focus only on businesses on the loch causing nuisance.
● Amend the boundary of the existing lower speed zone around Inchmoan island to be more easily identifiable for loch users.
A number of other minor amendments to the byelaws are also set out for consideration.
Full details of the Loch Lomond Byelaw Review including the online consultation to respond to can be found at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/byelawreview. The deadline for responses is 5pm on Wednesday.
Hard copies are available to pick up from National Park Headquarters in Balloch, Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway in Balloch and Balmaha Visitor Centre, along with other partner or community premises listed at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/byelawreview
