Large fines for owners of unregistered boats in Surrey
Tens of thousands of pounds in fines were handed out to boat owners who failed to register their vessels as the Environment Agency’s crackdown continues.
A further 26 boat owners were said to have ignored warnings and were given the penalties by Staines Magistrates Court.
The action follows earlier enforcement measure in the autumn where another 14 owners were fined – as well as a wider effort by the EA to move on so called slumboats from the River Thames.
It brings the total number of people issued with fines following spots checks at Penton Hook Marina near Staines up to 40 – with the total combined payouts approaching £56,000.
Other action over the autumn and winter months has lead to unregistered boats being taken from the river near Hampton Court and scrapped.
Colin Chiverton, environment manager at the Environment Agency in Surrey, said: “If you have an unregistered boat on the Thames, you should know that our enforcement teams remain out all winter patrolling the river, checking valid registrations and taking action against those who cheat their fellow boaters.
“With our ongoing crackdown, this Christmas we urge all Thames boaters to ensure they register their vessels ahead of the new year deadline.
“As our recent prosecutions clearly demonstrate, we will have no hesitation in bringing further offenders to court who avoid their obligations and responsibilities to lawful river users.”
It is the second large scale crackdown at Penton Hook – after 14 owners were hit with £18,763 in fines October. Environment officers found about a quarter of all the boats tied up to the marina during spot checks had not been registered with the EA.
Those fined had been given “ample warning”, they said.
In the most recent cases Staines Magistrates’ Court heard that 26 owners skipped out on paying the annual registration fee, with the highest total fine including compensation charges, victim surcharges and cots, of £3,371.20 issued to Jess Rugeris, of Moseley, for the boat Le Petit II.
Boat registrations are similar to excise duties for cars and are based on the length and width of the craft.
The actions are part of a wider action by the EA along the Thames with several high profile moves to shift illegal boats moored near Hampton Court Palace.