Further restrictions on water scooter use

Until 31 August, ships and boats less than 500 metres from land in Nólsoy, Skúvoy and Mykines must go no faster than 8 mph.

Sea traffic can disturb birdlife, and it is hoped that the new speed limit will help combat this.

This speed limit is part of a new regulation, known as Ramsarkunngerðin, which applies to the three small islands mentioned above. The regulation also states that water scooters must not be parked on these islands.

The new regulation has proved to be difficult to understand and enforce. Questions have arisen whether this amounts to discrimination against certain citizens.

Sirið Stenberg, the Minister of the Interior, says understands the confusion, but she says that the regulations were made in consultation with residents on the three islands, and that if further complications arise from the new regulations, it is possible to make amendments to the rules.

See also: First breach of offshore speeding rules 

See also: Licence required for water scooter use

Translated by prosa.fo