Falmouth Harbour Commissioners are considering enforcing a speed limit in the port's bathing waters during the summer months and is seeking feedback on the idea.

Using new powers to create local directions for ships navigating within Falmouth Harbour, the commissioners are proposing their first direction - a speed limit of four-knots on the waters within 100 metres of the shore (mean high tide water mark) in the area from Pendennis Point to Pennance Point from May 1 to September 30 annually. The zone covers the popular bathing areas off Gyllyngvase, Castle, Swanpool and Maenporth beaches.

There has been a voluntary speed limit in place in these areas for over ten years, but now, subject to satisfying any objections, this will become legally enforceable and speed limit signage will be erected on marker buoys.

FHC were granted the Power of Harbour Direction 2015 with a designating order passed in accordance with the Marine Navigation Act 2013.

Mark Sansom, harbour master and chief executive of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, said: “The new powers allow us to create enforceable directions tailored to the requirements of our harbour area – something which previously could take many years to pass through the by-law process.

“The existing voluntary speed limit has, in the main, been adhered to, but there have been difficulties in enforcing by-laws when incidents have occurred. With this direction we’ll be able to enforce based on speed alone and erect clear speed limit signage. This will be particularly beneficial for any visitors who are not familiar with the area.”

Ian Munday, chair of the independent Port User Group set up earlier this year to consider and recommend directions, added: “There was a good response to the recruitment to the Port User Group earlier this year. We have ten on the committee representing a broad range of harbour activities. These include commercial diving, sailing, gig rowing and fishing.

“This is the first direction the group has considered and is a really good example of how we can improve safety in the harbour – we look forward to considering more directions such as this in the future.

“We are also looking for more members for the group, particularly from recreational diving and commercial marine operations, so please do contact the commissioners if this is of interest.”

Comments or objections on the proposed direction should be made in writing and sent to the Harbour Master, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, 44 Arwenack Street, Falmouth, TR11 3JQ by August 14. The FHC Board will then consider any received and decide whether to make and publish the direction or to modify or reject it. Any modified direction will be publicised again for comment.

For more information or if you are interested in joining the Port User Group visit www.falmouthport.co.uk or email hm@falmouthport.co.uk.