Speed gun trial catches too many boaties speeding

A trial of on the water laser speed guns is showing too many boaties, at least in Marlborough, are breaking speeding rules.

Maritime NZ Acting Director, Nigel Clifford, said Maritime Officers and Marlborough District Council Harbourmaster’s staff will be back on the water today and speeders will get infringement notices.

Each infringement notice comes with a fine of $200.

Marlborough Harbourmaster, Luke Grogan, said it was disappointing that in a two-hour trial last week 10 recreational boaties were caught speeding.

“Compliance with speed rules was not great,” Mr Grogan said.

“We get lots of emails and phone calls complaining about boaties speeding close to shore and in busy areas.

“Speeders are unhappy when we catch them but their speed puts children, swimmers, divers and other boats at risk.”

Nationwide, the five knot rule is in place within 200 metres of shore and divers, and within 50 metres of swimmers and other boats.

Mr Clifford said Maritime NZ is funding the trial and working with the Marlborough Harbourmaster to show how speed guns could be used by other councils.

“The trial is going well,” Mr Clifford said. “The speed guns have good range and good accuracy, and other councils are keen to see the results we are getting.”

Mr Grogan said the speed guns are a good additional tool.

“They give solid evidence of a boat’s speed and save a lot of desk work,” he said.

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