Unregistered Boats on River Thames: Fines and Costs Total £18,000
October 29, 2024
The Environment Agency has taken action against owners of unregistered boats on the River Thames, resulting in fines and costs totaling £18,000.
The agency conducted a series of inspections along the river, identifying vessels that were not registered with the appropriate authorities. Registration is a legal requirement for boats over 7 meters in length that are used on inland waterways.
Failure to register a boat can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The Environment Agency also has the power to seize and remove unregistered vessels, and to charge the owners for the costs of doing so.
In one case, an unregistered boat was seized and removed from the River Thames near Oxford. The owner was fined £500 and ordered to pay £1,000 in costs.
In another case, a boat owner was fined £2,000 for failing to register their vessel and for obstructing the navigation channel.
The Environment Agency’s Thames Principal Enforcement Officer, Sarah Bryan, said: “Our message is clear: if you own a boat on the River Thames, you must register it. It’s a legal requirement and it’s for the benefit of everyone who uses the river.”
“Unregistered boats pose a risk to safety, as they may not have the necessary safety equipment or insurance. They can also cause obstruction to other river users and damage the environment.”
The Environment Agency is urging boat owners to register their vessels by visiting the Gov.UK website. The registration process is quick and easy, and it only takes a few minutes to complete.
Additional Information
- The River Thames is one of the busiest inland waterways in the UK, with an estimated 250,000 boats registered.
- There are various types of vessels that can be used on the River Thames, including rowing boats, motorboats, and sailing boats.
- The registration fee for a boat over 7 meters in length is £50.
Unregistered boats on River Thames: fines and costs total £18,000
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
GOV UK a new article on 2024-10-29 09:41 titled “Unregistered boats on River Thames: fines and costs total £18,000”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
101