Brightlingsea: Man sentenced for speeding at almost four times the water speed limit

A personal watercraft rider has been fined for speeding at almost four times the water speed limit just outside Brightlingsea harbour.

Mark Halliwell was stopped by our Marine Unit officers on one of their regular Operation Wave-Breaker patrols. He was convicted of exceeding the 8-knot speed limit in force in that part of the River Colne.

Sergeant Alex Southgate said after the hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court:

“Halliwell had accelerated hard from the beach area on a personal watercraft and was travelling at approximately 30 knots, which is almost four times the 8-knot speed limit there.
“Our Operation Wave-Breaker patrols are designed to protect water users in areas which have historically experienced water-based anti-social behaviour and where people have ignored the local byelaws. 
“Wherever possible, we seek to educate members of the public about the possible consequences of speeding on the water and the dangers to people and wildlife that can pose.
“However, in this instance, Halliwell’s speed left us no option but to report him for breaking the local speed limit.”

Colchester City Council administers the River Colne byelaws and brought the prosecution on 19 September. Halliwell, of Paxfords, Basildon, pleaded guilty by post to the offence, committed on 10 May 2024.

He was fined £80 with £150 court costs and also ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge.

Find out more about the work of our Marine Unit by visiting our Marine Unit pages, where you can also find specialised crime prevention advice.

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