Jet skis could be banned from the loch

The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority is to consider banning speeding across the central section, amounting to a third of the loch.

Under the proposals all craft would be limited to a maximum speed of seven miles per hour.

However, most people who were consulted were not in favour of an overall speed restriction or ban.

The plans, which will be considered by the park authority next Monday, follow a lengthy review. Further consultation will take place.

The review looked at current recreational activity and the loch's natural assets.

Nearly 1,000 people completed a questionnaire and more than 30 meetings were held with specific interest and user groups.

Environmental impact

The national park authority said the changes would improve everyone's experience of the loch.

The number of boats using the loch was examined along with their impact on the environment.

There was clear concern about safety issues. One of the new measures likely to be introduced is the compulsory wearing of lifebelts.

Activities like windsurfing are being encouraged

One of the authority's priorities is greater protection of the loch's islands and sensitive areas, along with major shallow areas which are important for vegetation and breeding fish.

One of the proposals is for the east shore to be focused on quiet recreation where activities such as windsurfing will be encouraged.

The speed restriction will also be extended to cover 150 metres from the shore at Drumkinnon Bay and the mouth of the Falloch at Ardlui. All existing speed restrictions around the shore will remain.

The age restriction for people driving powered craft over 3 kilowatts will also be raised from 14 to 16 unless under close adult supervision.

A new byelaw will also require the notification of all accidents and incidents to the national park authority.

The byelaws will be reviewed after three years.

Bill Dalrymple, the park authority's chief executive, said: "There are probably some people who feel we are recommending taking too severe an approach but others who are arguing that we are not taking nearly enough action.

"We are trying to maintain a scenario where multi-use of Loch Lomond is possible but we do not want to export some of the problems experienced in the loch to other parts of the national park.

Bill Dalrymple wants to promote the loch's special qualities

"We are trying to promote an understanding of the special qualities of the loch."

Following the three-year review, the authority will consider other measures, such as phasing out two-stroke engines used by small craft and jet skis.

It also hopes to introduce a boat standard scheme, competency certificates and an insurance scheme.

It also wants to promote canoeing and wind surfing at Milarrochy Bay and will review the use of Milarrochy for launching motorised craft in the light of the proposed changes.

After next week's meeting further consultation will take place from 8 August to 28 October.

Final proposals are expected to be submitted to the first minister for approval in December.

Similar speed restrictions on Windermere in the Lake District raised fears about an increase in speedboats and jet skis on Loch Lomond.