THE banner along the sides of the Poole Harbour chain ferry says it all. A new bylaw has come into force in which all craft under 50 metres, passing through the harbour entrance, must give way to the ferry.

This is the first time that the ferry, the Bramble Bush Bay, which takes cars and pedestrians between Sandbanks and Studland, has the right of way.

"We are hoping it will improve matters there and reduce the number of accidents we have," said harbour master Peter Booth.

There have been collisions and near collisions with the ferry as it was forced to stop abruptly to allow yachts and speedboats to pass in front.

This is turn caused problems for craft aiming to navigate behind it.

Poole Harbour Commissioners sought the bylaw with the support of Bournemouth Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, which runs the service.

A big education programme has been going on to alert leisure mariners to the change at the harbour entrance, where there are strong tides.

However once the learning process is over Mr Booth warned there will be no hesitation in prosecuting those who flout the new law.

They will be liable for a £1,000 fine and costs of up to £500. Larger ships and the ferries that go into the port of Poole will not be affected.

The chain ferry will continue to remain docked at one side to allow them to pass through the narrow harbour mouth.

The rule that the ferry gave way to small craft was instituted when there were far fewer leisure craft around than there are now.

First published: September 5