Colchester City Council intends to introduce the Personal Watercraft (PWC) PSPO Public Space Protection Order. Any representations relating to the introduction should be directed via our online form or by emailing Parks@colchester.gov.uk.
If approved, the PSPO would cover the restricted area and last for three years.
The public is invited to submit its views on proposals to introduce this Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) within the entire Colchester District (Restricted Area), including all public coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, launching sites, and associated foreshore areas.
The consultation will run for 14 days from Monday 23 March until Monday 6 April 2026 Noon
The PSPO, if adopted, will restrict the following activities when committed by any person using or in control of a Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Speeding
A person must not operate a PWC at a speed exceeding 4 knots unless otherwise stated, within:
- 300 metres of the shoreline
- Any estuary, river, or channel where speed restrictions are displayed
- Any area marked as a No‑Wake or Low‑Speed Zone
- A person must not operate in a manner that creates excessive wake, endangers other water users, or causes nuisance to wildlife or residents is also prohibited.
Reckless or Anti‑Social Operation;
A person must not:
- Perform dangerous manoeuvres, aggressive acceleration, or erratic changes of direction;
- Operate a PWC under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Ride in restricted, lifeguarded, or bathing zones;
- Cause harassment, alarm, or distress to other water users, residents, or wildlife
Illegal or Obstructive Mooring
A person must not:
- Moor a PWC to navigation markers, buoys, private property, or restricted structures
- Leave a PWC unattended in a manner causing obstruction to channels, slipways, launching ramps or emergency access points
- Use unauthorised mooring points contrary to Harbour Authority directions
Littering and Environmental Damage
A person must not:
- Deposit, throw, or allow any litter, plastics, fuel containers or waste into the water or onto the foreshore
- Discharge fuel, oils, or other pollutants
- Cause avoidable disturbance to protected habitats, breeding sites, or wildlife zones
Additionally, the Council under section 59(4) imposes the following requirements:
All PWC users must:
- Comply with posted speed limits, channel markers, and navigational signage
- Use only authorised slipways and launch sites
- Produce valid proof of identity and, where required, proof of PWC registration or competency or insurance when requested by an Authorised Officer
- Follow instructions issued by Authorised Officers, Harbour Patrol, or Police
Failure without reasonable excuse to comply with the prohibitions or requirements imposed by the PSPO would qualify as a summary offence under Section 67 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. A person guilty of an offence under Section 67 is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding Level 3 on the standard scale.