Overstayers targeted

OVERSTAYERS on the visitor moorings on the Thames are now being targeted, risking a £100 fine.

One by one the visitor moorings on the river are being brought into the scheme where boaters who overstay risk the charge, that is being enforced similar to that on motorists.

Complaints

The Environment Agency have taken this decision after endless complaints from boaters that they cannot get on to visitor moorings as some boats are taking up the space for weeks.

This started around Oxford, where the overstaying was rife, but is now extended to Weybridge and Walton together with Desborough Island.

Genuine visitors

The Agency believe that the scheme will allow genuine visitors to secure moorings for the allotted 24 hours, that were not previously possible owing to overstayers.

This is a trial at present, but early indications are showing that the scheme is working, with fewer boats risking a big fine.