Two people have been issued with fixed penalty notices after launching personal watercraft from parts of the Southend foreshore covered by a public spaces protection order (PSPO).
Enforcement after public reports
Essex Police’s Marine Unit said officers acted after members of the public reported personal watercraft (PWCs) being launched from Two Tree Island at Leigh and from Bell Wharf in Old Leigh. Both offenders were given £100 fixed penalty notices for breaches of the PSPO.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the water safely. Southend is a busy beach and the PSPO conditions are there to protect all water users from injury or worse.”
The quoted comment came from PC Daren Chambers, a marine officer involved in the enforcement operation.
Where PWCs may and may not be launched
The PSPO applies to the foreshore from East Beach in Shoeburyness to Two Tree Island, and covers the city centre and seafront. Under the order, the only authorised site for launching personal watercraft in Southend is the slipway at Ness Road, Shoeburyness.
- Reports from the public prompted the Marine Unit response.
- Two fixed penalty notices, each for £100, were issued.
- Authorised launch site: Ness Road slipway, Shoeburyness.
Officers urged those using the water and shore to observe the PSPO and suggested that the restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of harm to people using the busy beaches and water around Southend.
Quick reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of fines | 2 |
| Fine amount | £100 (fixed penalty each) |
| Restricted area | Foreshore from East Beach, Shoeburyness to Two Tree Island; city centre and seafront |
| Permitted launch site | Slipway, Ness Road, Shoeburyness |
Those with questions about permitted conduct on the water are directed to the Marine Unit pages and to Southend City Council information on PSPOs for further detail on the rules governing personal watercraft and other activities on the foreshore.
Officers continue to rely on information from the public to identify incidents of non-compliance with the PSPO.
