WATER bikers who flouted speed limits on the River Blackwater have been ordered to pay £2,500 after a crackdown on antisocial behaviour on the water.

Maldon District Council successfully prosecuted four individuals at Colchester Magistrates’ Court for breaking by-laws on the water.

All four admitted to failing to stick to the eight knot speed limit when they appeared before magistrates last Monday, October 4.

Sandra Day, 24, of Garrard Road, Slough, admitted failing to comply with the by-law on July 31.

She was fined £530, ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge and £150 costs.

Gary O’Connor, Petunia Crescent, Chelmsford, was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge and £150 costs after admitting an offence on June 19.

Joshua O’Connor, 23, of Ashley Green, East Hanningfield, was charged with failing to comply with the bylaw on August 14 and was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £150 costs.

Ricky Rowlands, 32, of Cedar Road, Canvey Island, was fined £630 and ordered to pay £63 victim surcharge and £150 costs after ad- mitting an offence on June 19.

A fifth man is set to go before the courts next month after his case was adjourned.

Maldon District Council has issued a warning following the successful prosecutions, saying it will not hesitate in charging those who do not observe the by-laws, which exist to protect the public.

In May the council spent £15,000 on two water bikes in a bid to crackdown on anti social behaviour on the water.

Penny Channer, planning and licensing chairman, said: “The new enforcement team, through the use of jet skis, are clearly doing an excellent job in ensuring that our rivers can be enjoyed by a variety of users.

“Thankfully, a large number of river users are considerate and responsible, but the message to those who aren’t is very clear: You will be caught and we will prosecute in the interests of the safety and pro- tection of other users.”