A motor boat heading to Teddington was travelling so fast that a houseboat was damaged by its wash and the driver was this week cautioned by the Port of London Authority.

Roy Hudson, from Essex, and his two companions, had been travelling on board his Malibu boat from Gallions Point Marina in Newham upriver to Teddington on June 15 last year.

When the Malibu passed under Putney Bridge it was seen travelling very fast and leaving large waves behind it. A witness was concerned the wash could endanger staff working on moored boats in the area, as well as swamping rowing boats in the Putney area.

When passing through Isleworth, the Malibu was going so fast that the resulting waves violently rocked several houseboats moored there. One houseboat owner reported ornaments and plants being thrown to the floor and a radio being damaged beyond repair.

Mr Hudson was eventually stopped at Teddington Lock, where he was questioned by a Port of London Authority patrol launch master.

After a comprehensive investigation he was interviewed under caution at a London police station. Mr Hudson admitted driving his boat "without due care and attention" on the river Thames and accepted a formal caution from the Harbourmaster.

The speed limit from Wandsworth Bridge to Teddington is eight knots, but this is subject to vessels travelling at a speed where their wash does not cause problems for others. In the presence of rowers, dinghies and other small boats, this may mean a much lower speed limit.

Port of London Authority rules require that all craft must proceed at a safe speed when navigating anywhere on the tidal Thames. Speed must be appropriate for the conditions, the size and type of vessel, and the safety of others in the area.

Captain Christopher Mendoza, Port of London Authority harbourmaster for the Thames in central and west London, said: "This sends out a clear message to anyone who navigates with excessive speed or in a manner dangerous to other river users.

"We will pursue you and take action to provide a safe environment for all other river users, not least those who row and sail on the river."