Understand
Model boats banned from lake in Stevenage over speed and safety concerns
Overview
Stevenage Borough Council has erected a sign banning unauthorized model boats from Millennium Lake in Fairlands Valley Park. The restriction aims to prevent inexperienced users from operating high-powered, uninsured model boats capable of reaching speeds up to 70mph. Only members of the Stevenage Model Boat Club during organized sessions, or those who contact the club directly, are permitted to use the lake.
Key points
- Model boats have been banned from Millennium Lake in Fairlands Valley Park unless used during Stevenage Model Boat Club sessions.
- Stevenage Borough Council put up the sign to stop people from outside the club using high-powered model boats.
- Ian Searle, secretary of the model boat club, highlighted safety risks from off-the-shelf boats travelling at speeds of 60-70mph by uninsured, inexperienced operators.
- Boats with internal combustion engines were banned for club members a few years ago.
- Individuals wishing to use authorized model types can still do so by contacting the local boat club directly.