'We have already handed out 163 written warnings this year compared to 70 last year in a bid to increase safety, reduce bank erosion which silts up the rivers, and increase availability on 24 hour moorings,' said head navigation ranger Adrian Vernon.

He added the rangers have full backing from the boating public in this and are taking much firmer action against speeding and other offences than they have in the past.

'Our Sediment Management Strategy has shown that if we reduce speeding we reduce the amount of sediment deposited in the Broads, which in turn will save costs in dredging,' Vernon said.

The Broads Authority is about to launch a new DVD, Better Boating on the Broads, which offers advice on how to navigate the Broads safely, sustainably and courteously. It's part of a new education and enforcement package aimed to promote safety and respect for the fragile eco-system and rare wildlife of the waterways as well as other river users.

The DVD will be available to holidaymakers when they book their boats and from Broads Authority information centres and the authority’s Norwich headquarters.
Navigation rangers who patrol the Broads to keep the waterways safe are handing out leaflets which explain the need for boats to drive within the speed limits to protect water-level nesting birds, other river users and the rivers from silting up.

The leaflet Slow Down, Don’t make waves has a map of the Broads showing the location of the different speed limits which vary from 3mph to 6mph. They are being given to hire boatyards, marinas, clubs and helmsmen who are stopped for speeding.

The Broads Authority’s visitor magazine Broadcaster also carries information on speed limits and excess wash.