Potential new fines for illegal boat mooring in Surrey
Penalties of up to £1,000 could now be issued to illegal boat mooring on parts of the river Thames
Following a string of complaints regarding unapproved boat moorings and their potential to litter and create noise by locals, new penalties of up to £1,000 could be put into force to tackle the issue down the River Thames.
Elmbridge Borough Council has green-lit a public consultation to go ahead to consider the final details of the new rules, beginning from March 19.
The Council has previously been restricted in it's course of action as only landowners can take any action against those who are illegally mooring.
A green light was initially given to the ‘Public Space Protection Order’ (PSPO) against unauthorised boat moorings in February 2024, however the order soon faced backlash from those living in boats on the Thames.
However, previous consultations suggest that up to 83% of people are in favour of the new public restrictions.
During an earlier consultation, the National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA), argued the “draconian proposal will punish people for the simple act of living in their homes”.
The council is planning to introduce the PSPO in spring of 2025 where it will be in place till March 2028.
The new rules could restrict unapproved mooring to 24 hours (with no return in 72 hours) at Ditton Reach, Albany Reach, Cigarette Island, Cowey Sale and Hurst Park and Surrey County Council’s land adjacent to Hampton Court bridge (Parrs mooring).
Breaching the PSPO could result up to a £1,000 fine, if the person is found guilty.