Fines on the spot for boaties 'effective'

By WAYNE THOMPSON

Northern maritime officers want to be able to hit erring boaties with fines up to $200.

They believe infringement notices would be better than giving warnings or taking people to court for serious breaches of new navigation and safety bylaws.

Environment Waikato introduced fines in December and so far this summer has issued two tickets - one for $100 and one for $200 to the rider of a jetski who was a danger to swimmers at Whangamata.

Other regional councils have yet to decide to take the legal steps needed for a fines system.

Auckland Harbourmaster James McPetrie said at present, the courts could fine someone up to $1000 for each offence.

But maritime officers would be content with more modest penalties.

Fines of $100 for bad behaviour and $200 for safety infringements would be appropriate for breaches of the Auckland Regional Council's maritime bylaws.

If the fines were higher, many people would probably insist on defending the matter in court - at considerable cost to a council.

Fines in the courts have ranged from $200 to $300, but officers feel the months between an offence and court appearance reduce the impact of the offender's actions.

They say infringement notices with smaller fines would be more effective.

nzherald.co.nz/marine