A motor boat owner received a £500 fine from Chichester Magistrates for exceeding the speed limit in Chichester Harbour earlier this year.

Mr Peter Shakeshaft of Brockham, Surrey was seen by the Chichester Harbour patrol travelling at high speed in his motor boat at 9.30pm on the 21 May. A Patrol Officer followed the boat for one nautical mile at a speed in excess of 30 knots. The Harbour speed limit is 8 knots. When cautioned Mr Shakeshaft stated that he had had an engine rebuild and was going at speed to test the new engine. He pleaded ‘guilty’ to the offence and was fined £500 plus costs.

John Davis, Chichester Harbour Master said, ‘This vessel had faulty navigation lights, and travelling at these speeds in failing light is clearly dangerous. The speed limit of 8 knots is there for everyone’s safety and will be rigorously enforced by the Conservancy.’