CALLS were made for tougher action over jet skis in Loch Lomond after it was revealed that only three owners have been prosecuted in two decades.

Jackie Baillie asked how many prosecutions had been brought against jet ski owners for breaking byelaws on Loch Lomond since the National Park was established in 2002.

She received a response from Keith Brown, the former Cabinet Secretary for Justice, who revealed that only three people have been prosecuted in 21 years.

The Dumbarton MSP had asked an identical question 18 months earlier and received the same response showing that there have been no further prosecutions in the intervening period.

This comes after Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority Board met earlier this year to discuss a review of their byelaws following a consultation period.

The board approved the proposed byelaw changes which will now be sent to the Scottish Government.

Residents and stakeholders have the opportunity to raise any concerns or make comments directly to Scottish Government Ministers during this current phase of consultation which lasts until June 8.

The National Park plan to introduce a Low-Speed Activity Zone, a Loch Lomond User Registration Scheme and measures which will make vessel owners responsible for offences committed by young people.

But Ms Baillie, who has been vocal in her opposition to jet ski users who behave irresponsibly on the loch, is concerned that there will be no effect with the changes if they are not met with a significant increase in enforcement.

She said: “I welcome efforts to strengthen the law which aims to keep loch users safe and protect the environment and communities within this area and I am grateful to everyone who responded to the consultation.

“I am disappointed though that this looks like a missed opportunity to properly deal with the problems on Loch Lomond. I firmly believe that the proposals which will now be sent to the Scottish Government will not address the chaos we have seen in recent years unless there is a significant rise in the number of rangers patrolling the loch, who have the power to enforce the byelaws.

“To find out that nothing has changed in the last 18 months and that there have only been three prosecutions relating to jet ski use in the 21 years is astonishing. With this level of enforcement, it is little wonder that jetskiers intent on being reckless are coming here in their droves."

Ms Baillie met the Minister responsible for National Parks, Lorna Slater last September along with the then Luss and Arden Community Council Convener and representatives from Luss Estates who laid bare the problems faced in lochside villages, particularly during spells of good weather.

They told how residents in Luss were completely fed up with jet skiers running amok while the enforcement boat was barely seen in the area and, if rangers arrived or police made their way to the scene, the perpetrators had already left.

She added: “The National Park Authority say they would like to work with the Scottish Government to investigate additional powers to use Fixed Penalty Notices and I welcome that, but the real key to dealing with the problems which have been plaguing lochside communities is to have more people available to take action. This will not happen under the current plans and will continue to see lives put at risk.

"If the Minister is not prepared to fund a significant increase in enforcement then she must consider banning jet skis.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.