Elmbridge Council on the Thames has announced that it has begun a Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) to fine boaters up to £400 for staying for more than 24hrs, and no return to the borough within 72 hours. The council claims that mooring for more than 24hrs is an anti-social behaviour in itself. The council has also stated that if they are successful, they will encourage other councils to follow suit.
Active NBTA members, with the help of the Community Law Partnership, have put in a legal challenge to the PSPO.
Our way of life isn’t an anti-social behaviour and shouldn’t be treated as such.
NBTA London needs your support to carry on our work. Please get in touch here if you would like to volunteer with us. Alternatively your donations are vital to us supporting boaters with their legal case work, campaign banners and other printed material as well as events. You can help us with your donations online here
Elmbridge Council on the Thames want to bring in a Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) to fine boaters up to £400 for staying for more than 24hrs.
The council was made to re-consult after NBTA amongst others pointed out that boaters weren’t able to fill in the consultation due to not being notified about the consultation.
EA enforcement boat moored at Elmbridge on the Thames
We as NBTA met with the council to discuss solutions to the issues they raised in the PSPO. At one point in the meeting the council reps admitted the issues they have weren’t the ones mentioned in the PSPO but the fact that boats moor there longer than 24hrs. We asked if there was a more reasonable time that the council would be happy with boats staying. They weren’t interested in engaging with this question.
The council has now concluded the consultation and has decided to go forward with PSPO. A boater is taking legal action against the PSPO.
NBTA London needs your support to carry on our work. Please get in touch here if you would like to volunteer with us. Alternatively your donations are vital to us supporting boaters with their legal case work, campaign banners and other printed material as well as events. You can help us with your donations online here
A volunteer organisation formed in 2009 campaigning and providing advice for itinerant boat dwellers on Britain’s inland and coastal waterways
National Bargee Travellers Association - London Branch 