With a stern warning to boat owners, the Environment Agency has announced that several individuals have been fined and ordered to pay significant costs for failing to register their boats on the River Thames.
The total fines and costs have amounted to £18,000, highlighting the agency’s commitment to enforcing boat registration laws.
The Importance of Boat Registration
Boat registration is not just a legal requirement but also a crucial aspect of maintaining the River Thames and ensuring boat safety.
According to Maria Herlihy, the Environment Agency’s waterways manager,
“Registering your boat is easy and avoids entirely unnecessary additional costs arising from a day in court. Anyone who uses the River Thames for boating should expect to contribute towards the upkeep of the river.”
Financial Contributions
The fees collected from boat registrations contribute significantly to the maintenance of 600 miles of navigable rivers, locks, and weirs across England, with a major focus on the River Thames.
This upkeep is essential for keeping the waterways safe and navigable for all users.
Recent Prosecutions
| Offender | Age | Address | Boat | Plea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Higgins | 64 | Graham Court, Northolt, Middlesex | PRINCESS BURFORD | Guilty |
| Stephen Hale | 54 | Bridge Court, Chertsey, Surrey | LADY RUTH | Guilty (in absence) |
| Drystan Brod | 50 | Birley Street, Battersea, London | LINDUM | Guilty (in absence) |
| Duncan Hayward | 40 | Hill Rise, Richmond, Surrey | MAVERICK III/TT MAVERICK III | Guilty (in absence) |
| Mark Geeson | 53 | Gaston Way, Shepperton, Middlesex | PORTIA | Guilty (in absence) |
| Tony Davies | 70 | St Annes Road, Chertsey, Surrey | BULTRUG/REDWATCH | Guilty |
| Andrew Graham | 53 | Wellington Terrace, Basingstoke | BUSTAROON | Guilty (in absence) |
| Hugo Handford | Chichester Road, West Wittering | DAJA | Guilty (in absence) | |
| Tim Cartwright | 64 | Elder Road, Bisley, Surrey | CHARLIE BEN | Guilty (in absence) |
| Brian Harvey | 60 | Queens Road, Hersham, Surrey | SEA DANCER | Guilty (in absence) |
| Scott Cole | 52 | Grafton Road, Acton, London | ALKYON | Guilty (in absence) |
| Lee Davis | 49 | Meadow View, Chertsey, Surrey | TUBS | Guilty (in absence) |
| Maciej Firla-Cuchra | 49 | The Broadway, Laleham, Surrey | JEWNA | Guilty (in absence) |
| David Harding | 73 | Easton, Wells, Somerset | Le BATEAU DE BOIS | Guilty |
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NSP: No Separate Penalty
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“Guilty (in absence)” indicates found guilty without being present in court.
Enforcement Measures
Environment Agency waterways enforcement officers regularly patrol the River Thames to check for unregistered boats. If a boat is found unregistered, the owners are given a warning and a 7-day period to comply. Failure to register the boat within this timeframe can lead to court proceedings.
Ms. Herlihy emphasized,
“Prosecution is always a last resort. We gave the defendants ample opportunity to pay their boat registration fees, but their refusal left us with no choice but to take them to court.”
Registration Process and Requirements
Registering a boat on the River Thames is a straightforward process. Boat owners can register their boats by calling 03708 506 506 or visiting the website at www.gov.uk/register-a-boat.
Register your boat, including paddleboards, annually starting January 1 to avoid fines and penalties.
Requirements for Boat Owners:
- Annual Registration: Boats must be registered every year starting from 1 January.
- Compliance Checks: Enforcement officers regularly check for unregistered boats.
- Fines and Costs: Failure to register can result in significant fines and costs.
- Safety and Maintenance: Registration fees contribute to the upkeep and safety of the waterways.
In a Nutshell
As the Environment Agency continues to enforce boat registration laws, more boat owners are likely to face court in the coming months if they fail to comply.
Authorities issue a clear warning to River Thames boat owners: Register your boats to avoid unnecessary legal and financial repercussions.
Sources: THX News & Environment Agency.
