Final week to share views on Loch Lomond Byelaws proposals

A user registration scheme for individuals using motorised craft on Loch Lomond, low-powered activity zones and compulsory wearing of flotation devices for under-16s are among the changes proposed by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority.

The byelaws manage safe and responsible use of Loch Lomond and must be reviewed every 10 years.

A public consultation was launched in the summer to gather views on the proposed changes and the Park Authority wants to hear from local residents, businesses, Loch users, emergency services and interest groups by Wednesday 19^th October.

Kenny Auld, Head of Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “The Loch Lomond Byelaws are an important tool that we use to manage activity on the Loch and to support people to enjoy the water safely and responsibly.

“We are proposing these changes in response to notable changes in how the Loch is used, and to allow us to create a safer Loch that is better managed for all users.

“For example, we know that wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe so we’re asking for views on whether the byelaws should be amended to make it compulsory for under 16s to wear PFDs on all vessels when on open decks.

“Another key proposal we’re keen to hear people’s views on is the creation of a new user registration scheme for people using powered craft to help us to more easily identify individuals in the event of a byelaw contravention and strengthen the deterrent against irresponsible or unsafe behaviour.

“Anyone with an interest in Loch Lomond can let us know what they think about these ideas and other proposed changes to the byelaws by responding to the consultation before next Wednesday, 19th October.”

Views received as part of the consultation will help shape the final proposed byelaws that will be presented to the National Park Authority Board and then, subject to Board approval, to Scottish Ministers for approval.

The six key changes to the byelaws being proposed in the consultation are:

• the creation of zones for only low or non-powered activities (such as swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing) in order to improve safety in areas where there is a higher risk of safety issues, conflict and disturbance.
• the compulsory wearing of personal flotation devices (such as life jackets) for everyone under 16 on all vessels when on open decks to improve safety for young people.
• the transfer of liability for offences committed by someone under 16 in sole charge of a powered vessel to the registered owner of the vessel when there is no supervising adult.
• the introduction of a new Loch Lomond User Registration Scheme, in addition to the registration of a vessel, meaning any individual using a motorised vessel must be registered with the Park Authority in advance. This is to make the identification of individuals easier in the event of a byelaw contravention.
• Simplify processes around businesses operating on the Loch by changing the existing Permission to Trade byelaw to focus only on businesses on the Loch causing nuisance.
• Amend the boundary of the existing lower speed zone around Inchmoan island to be more easily identifiable for Loch users.

A number of other minor amendments to the byelaws are also set out for consideration.

Full details of the Loch Lomond Byelaw Review including the online consultation to respond to can be found at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/byelawreview. The deadline for responses is 5pm Wednesday 19^th October.

Hard copies are available to pick up from National Park Headquarters in Balloch, Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway in Balloch and Balmaha Visitor Centre, along with other partner or community premises listed on our website at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/byelawreview