§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in regulating the use of(a) jet-skis and (b) other powered water craft. [103179]
§ Mr. MeacherThe responsibility for the management of jet-skis and other powered watercraft is primarily for local authorities. Local byelaws, either inland or on the coast, give authorities the power to regulate such craft, for instance by imposing strict speed limits which result in the exclusion of many watercraft from specific areas. Speed limits already apply in some areas, such as parts of the Broads.
The Review of Byelaw Powers for the Coast recommended, among other things, that local authorities should be given a new power to create exclusive bathing zones and more general powers to regulate activities on the coast which affect the wider environment, such as the use of personal watercraft. We shall be looking for an opportunity to introduce legislation where it is needed to implement the Review's recommendations. In the meantime, we have published a voluntary code of best and safe practice for leisure craft users, and we are exploring options for a voluntary boat registration and identification scheme, which would include jet-skis.