Consultation on jet skis use in east Suffolk launched

Members of the East Suffolk Council licensing committee met on Monday to discuss the issue following the launch of a business in the area earlier this year. 

The consultation will only focus on jet skis let out to hire and not those used by private owners. 

Licensing private hire jet skis is not something the council has done before. 

It follows a launch of the business on the River Deben (Image: Environment Agency) Councillor Colin Hedgley said: "I do have serious concerns about jet skis in public places, because it only takes one slip of concentration and you can be in trouble."

Concerns were raised following the launch of the business, which offers tours along the River Deben, in regards to the impact it would have on wildlife in a special protection area. 

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One email put forward to the committee, sent by councillor Sally Noble, cabinet member for environment at East Suffolk Council, said it would be "dangerous for other river users" and that it was a "terrible idea".

Another email from a Natural England representative said: "This is a matter of real concern given the current levels of disturbance. 

"Increasing recreational pressure on the estuaries by promoting jet skis would be counter-productive to the progressive steps taken by Natural England and the Suffolk Coast & Heaths National Landscape in seeking to promote disturbance free beaches for nesting shore birds."

Under Section 94 of the Public Health Act Amendments Act 1907, jet skis let out for hire must be licensed by the council.

The consultation will consider whether the authority should license jet skis, what conditions should be imposed, zones where the watercraft could operate and how the policy should be enforced.