Plaid Cymru Members of Parliament representing Gwynedd, Hywel Williams and Liz Saville Roberts have urged the UK government to publish a long-awaited consultation into the strengthening of enforcement laws governing the use of jet skis.
The MPs, whose constituencies include areas popular with jet ski and watercraft users such as the Llŷn Peninsula and the Menai Strait, have long called for a proper licensing system for jet ski users with training and a test of competence.
Hywel Williams MP introduced a Bill in Parliament in 2020 which sought to regulate the use of jet skis by bringing in a UK-wide licencing system so that jet ski drivers, much like motorbike drives, would require a licence before being allowed to operate the watercraft.
Despite repeated assurances from government Ministers that plans are underway to legislate against rogue jet ski users, the findings of a consultation on the dangerous driving of jet skis have still not been published, nearly a year since the consultation was launched.
Under current laws, anyone can buy a jet ski, take it to the seaside and cruise at top speeds of between 40mph and 70mph.
Hywel Williams MP said: ‘It is currently possible for anyone, even a child as young as 12, to drive a jet ski. A jet ski driver does not need a licence – unlike in most other EU countries and beyond, which already have a strict licensing system in place.’
‘Despite repeatedly raising this issue with the UK Government and being assured by Ministers that action was being taken, we are on the cusp of yet another busy summer in Gwynedd of unlicensed jet ski use.’
‘In the intervening months since I introduced my Bill to Parliament, the government has had ample opportunity to progress with legislation. Instead, they’ve allowed this important matter of public safety and environmental protection to drag on and on.’
‘I feel the safety of other seafarers and beach goers is being undermined by the current lack of legislation. The longer the UK government prevaricates on this issue the higher the likelihood of yet more accidents and unruly behaviour on our coastline.’
‘I urge the government to stop delaying. Publish the consultation and work towards bringing in tougher legislation to protect both the public and our precious sea life.’
Liz Saville Roberts MP said: ‘Successive governments have so far failed to take decisive action to legislate on this issue. It remains the case that jet skis fall outside maritime legislation, preventing local authorities from responding to concerns with any serious powers.’
‘In recent years, we’ve seen a significant rise in the level of complaints about the misuse of jet skis along coastal communities in Gwynedd, including the harassing of local sea life such as dolphins and sea birds, not to mention the personal tragedies that have arisen when accidents do occur.’
‘Robust legislation exists across many European countries to regulate the use of jet skis. It makes sense therefore that legislation is needed to ensure similar arrangements are introduced in Wales and the rest of the UK.’
