A public consultation has been launched to gather views on proposed changes to Loch Lomond byelaws – amid calls for a ban on jet skis.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority say there has been a 119 percent increase in byelaw contraventions between 2019 and 2021 – almost half of which were for speeding.
The proposals include the creation of areas for only low or non-powered activities, such as swimming and kayaking, as well as the compulsory wearing of flotation devices forunder-16s on vessels.
They also include the introduction of a new user registration scheme, meaning anyone using a motorised vessel must be registered with the park authority in advance.
If agreed, the transfer of liability for offences committed by someone under 16 in sole charge of a powered vessel would be handed to the registered owner of the vessel when there is no supervising adult.
In addition, the boundary of the existing lower speed zone around Inchmoan island would be amended to be more easily identifiable for loch users.
The byelaws are required by law to be reviewed at least every 10 years.
The proposals follow calls by some for a blanket ban on loch jet skis, with Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie recently 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.
Dave Pretswell, of the community council, said in June: “Irresponsible use of jet skis on Loch Lomond in areas used by open water swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders has now reached such a point that it now presents a real threat to life and unfortunately we fear that the inevitable fatality could happen at any time.
“We now understand that neither Police Scotland nor the national park authority have the resources, nor the legal powers to manage and control jet skis adequately.
“They are already unable to enforce the existing byelaws, they cannot restrict jet ski numbers, cannot insist on insurance, nor check seaworthiness, nor impose any skills or training requirements on the drivers.
“In effect, they have lost control of the water bodies within the park – the very thing that makes the area so beautiful and which the national park was set up to safeguard.”
The calls were vigorously opposed by Loch Lomond Boats and Jet Skis, who said a blanket ban was a “wholly disproportionate response”.
Introduced in 1996, the Loch Lomond byelaws are intended to help to manage recreational activity on the loch, with rules setting out measures including speed limits in certain areas and a registration system for powered vessels.
The authority say the new proposals have been put forward following discussions with more than 50 groups of residents, businesses, loch users, emergency services and interest groups.
Kenny Auld, head of visitor services at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “There have been significant changes in the type and volume of recreation activities enjoyed on the loch in recent years, including an increase in activities such as open water swimming and paddle boarding and a marked upturn in personal water craft such as jet skis.
“Alongside those trends, there have been increased incidences of disturbance, anti-social behaviour and safety risks, with a 119 percent increase in byelaw contraventions between 2019-2021, almost half of which were for speeding.
“Taking into account the data gathered, the wealth of experience of our staff and partners, and insights gathered from a range of stakeholders, we are putting forward these proposed changes for consultation and inviting everyone with an interest in Loch Lomond to share their views.”
The full details can be found at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/byelawreview
The public consultation will run until Wednesday, October 19 and the views will help shape the final proposed byelaws to be presented to the authority board which, if agreed, will be put before Scottish ministers for approval.
