Out of control?

I THINK we all have been quite concerned over the past few years to read how increasingly CaRT seem to be blinkered in its attitude to boaters and its application (or interpretation) of the 1995 Waterways Act, writes John Howard.

Often apparently ignoring the facts, and more importantly of late the law, when imposing restrictions on boaters who appear to be working within the rule of law (namely the 1995 Waterways Act).

'Places' maps

I for one had welcomed their recent, albeit very quietly publicised 'Places' maps, which it transpires was only sent out to the major boating organisations for comment (which could probably be translated to 'someone in the IWA who will decide what is good for us').

I sent a note to Damian Kemp in early September, asking when these new guidelines would be published on its website. I received a swift response advising that 'In the autumn, actually probably within the next six weeks, we'll be putting them on the main website and making a big song and dance about them'.

Stony silence

12 weeks on and I sent a chase-up email, suggesting that perhaps it (CaRT) was waiting for the proposed guidelines to be passed through parliament (despite this not having stopped them in the past). Well, still a stony silence from our Damian. But then a previous narrowboatworld article suggested that he may be selective in what emails he responds to. Perhaps now this ignored court ruling has come into the public domain, this may account for the reticence?

What is particularly scary for continuous cruisers in particular, is that not only do CaRT appear to be now quite blatantly ignoring the rule of law, but if, as the recent articles regarding the apparent lack of impartiality of the Waterways Ombudsmen are true then where as boaters can we go when we feel we are being bullied or our legitimate lifestyle choice is under threat? Okay we can go down the legal route like Tony Dunkley—but how many continuous cruisers can afford to initiate court proceedings against an organisation with the legal muscle of CaRT?

Pick and choose

We've all seen the television programs Rogue Traders, Watchdog etc and been frustrated when the offending cowboy has just shrugged his shoulders and driven away in his flash car. We have all become accustomed to being wary when employing a 'tradesman' to carry out some expensive job on the house, or the boat. But when the evidence continues to build against a major government funded (although seemingly uncontrolled) organisation that appears to be able to pick and choose which parts of the legal process suits it's agenda, then it's time to either stand together and fight, or else run for the hills.

Surely we have enough lawyers and members of parliament within the boating community to come together to ensure that the rule of law is upheld by both boaters and CaRT? I'm sure if a fighting fund was needed, it could be raised from the ranks of boaters, their friends and their employers.

If we don't make a stand soon, we will all slowly be squeezed off the water, and the newts and watervoles will be in heaven, until the canals are finally reduced to a swamp land of shopping trolleys and old sofas.

A scary prospect in deed.