Enforcement officers have found 125 unregistered boats during a series of spot checks at Penton Hook Marina on the River Thames.
Boat owners were contacted by Environment Agency officials to register their boats correctly however several failed to do so.
An initial 14 owners have been sentenced at Staines magistrates court to pay more than £18,000 for failing to register their boats for use on the River Thames.
The court was told that all owners had skipped the annual registration fee, determined by the length and width of the boat.
A couple of them had skipped it twice. Duncan Heyward and Tony Davies, both of Chertsey, were found guilty of owning two unregistered vessels and had to pay compensation accordingly.
We’re pleased with this outcome, and it sends a clear warning to all unregistered boat owners.
Colin Chiverton
The highest charges were issued to Drystan Brod of Battersea for his boat, Lindum – more than £2,300 including costs, fines, compensation and victim surcharge.
“This was a great day for the majority of Thames boat-owners who register their vessel with us every year,” said Colin Chiverton, environment manager for Surrey at the EA.
“Just like us, they’re fed up with seeing this unlawful behaviour take place on the river every year.
“We’re pleased with this outcome, and it sends a clear warning to all unregistered boat owners – it’s just not worth the risk.”
The EA manage and maintain more than 600 miles of inland waterways across England.
In mid-September 2024 during a river wide census, EA officers recorded the locations of 10,890 boats on the river.
Owners of powered or non-powered boats, including paddleboards, must register their boats annually with the Environment Agency for use on the non-tidal River Thames.
A further 14 owners are due to appear in court at the end of November.
