Environment Agency threatens unregistered boats with 'a day in court'

The Environment Agency has threatened unregistered boaters with 'a day in court, a criminal record and a hefty fine'.

It is making a special effort to clamp down on both unregistered boats and paddleboarders, Janet Friend reports.

Whilst the regatta is taking place

This is whilst the Henley Royal Regatta is taking place on the Thames, with an enforcement team checking the registrations of those using the river.

Should a person be using a boat or even a paddle board without a license, they could be prosecuted and fined. With the agency telling:

“Whilst Henley is on, our Thames enforcement team will be checking boat registrations between Shepperton and Molesey locks, including paddle boarders.

“Not having one can lead to a day in court, criminal record and a hefty fine!” 

High temperatures

With high temperatures, it is expected many will try and use their boats, paddle boards or other equipment on the river.

Henley Royal Regatta began on Tuesday 1st, and will run until Sunday.

Over 400 international standard races will take place on the course at Henley, with over 700 entrants competing from almost 20 nations.