Crime Solicitors

The Environment Agency has prosecuted two men for boating without a valid licence.

The Inland Waterways Order 2010 requires all vessels kept or used on the River Thames to be registered with the Environment Agency and display a valid annual boat registration plate – similar to a vehicle tax disc.

The Environment Agency said a series of multi-agency action days in Surrey and other areas along the lower Thames had seen a number of illegally moored boats moving on, illegal mooring poles being removed – and a significant reduction in the amount of littering and other anti-social behaviour taking place.

Rowan Newey – who lives on his boat – was caught without a valid licence for both his houseboat and another vessel, which he owns and keeps moored downstream of Horseshoe Bridge in Reading.

Newey pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay compensation costs of £519.40 and £830.56 for each vessel, for failing to display a valid registration plate.

In a second case, Jeff Hunt of Vachel Road, Reading in Berkshire failed to licence his boat and was discovered by Environment Agency enforcement officers at Thames Water Moorings, upstream of Caversham Bridge in Reading.

The case against Hunt was proved in his absence at Reading Magistrates’ Court and he was fined £220 and ordered to pay compensation to the Environment Agency in respect of the unpaid registration fee of £166.95, with prosecution costs of £85.

The Environment Agency carries out checks along all 135 miles of the navigable non-tidal River Thames, to ensure that all boats kept or used on it have a valid registration plate.

The agency says that it takes enforcement action against all boats not displaying a licence, as well as taking enforcement action against a wide range of other offences relating to boating, often working as part of a multi-agency approach with the police and local councils.

Nick McKie-Smith, Environment Agency Waterways Enforcement Manager said:

“The income we raise from boat registration is imperative for the upkeep of the non-tidal River Thames.

“It is used to improve and maintain the navigation and lock structures, as well as providing facilities such as sewage disposal, water points and electricity charging points – by not complying, we lose vital revenue, which damages the future of these great waterways.

“Owners of boats not displaying valid registration plates could face prosecution, so it is important that they are aware of and adhere to this requirement – ignorance is not an excuse.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise companies or individuals at any stage of an environmental offence, including charges relating to waste management reaches, waste carrier offences, failing to manage hazardous waste, fly tipping, misuse of permitted land, contaminating watercourses, noise pollution, air pollution, and boating or fisheries offences.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis can advise at the start of an investigation by the Environment Agency and before charges are brought.

For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis on 0333 772 0409.