AFTER what the Environmental Agency state was a successful pilot scheme, it has given a contract to the country's largest car park enforcement company to put an end to boaters overstaying at 24 hours mooring sites on the Thames.
The move will see car park style enforcement procedures introduced at all its 22 mooring locations to once and for all stop boaters overstaying at its free 24 hour mooring sites along the river, that is a real bone of contention for the majority of boaters, Roger Fox tells us.
Instant fine
NSL, that enforces parking rules over most of the country's car parks, has been awarded the contract, with its officers now patrolling the mooring sites and having the authority to impose an instant fine on overstayers.
The pilot scheme was tested at four mooring sites, and the Agency tells it had immediate results, with the number of complaints dropping drastically, proving that the system works.
Big problem
.Nick McKie-Smith, Waterways Operations Manager for the Environment Agency explained:
Abuse of moorings is a big problem for many public and large private landowners on the river; that in turn creates a problem for law-abiding boaters who want to benefit from the free 24 hour mooring period at Environment Agency mooring sites along the Thames.
We have listened to the concerns of our customers and feel that the success of our moorings pilot will not only benefit just boaters but the wider community as well. Boaters will now have a fairer opportunity to stay at Environment Agency riverside moorings to enjoy the local towns, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities which the Thames has to offer.
Enforce mooring charges
NSL Ltd has been awarded the contract to enforce mooring charges to anyone found breaching the new mooring conditions, which will be indicated on signage at Environment Agency moorings.
Unless otherwise indicated, boat owners can stop for free on public open land owned by the Environment Agency, for a maximum period of 24 hours only. Some moorings have an associated charge, either for mooring at any time, or after an initial free period. Unfortunately, some boat owners ignore the time periods they are allowed to stay or do not pay the mooring fees where applicable.