Licence Evaders Beware - British Waterways Seeks Out Unlicensed Boats

10 November 2008

Between now and 21 November British Waterways, which manages 2,200 miles of canals and rivers across the UK, will be taking to the waterways on foot, bike and boat as part of its annual National Boat Check. Its enforcement teams will be identifying those boaters who are not contributing to the cost of maintaining and keeping the waterways as attractive places to visit.

Despite a dramatic turnaround in fortunes of the waterways, which now have more boats than at any other time in their history, there remains a minority of boaters who don't obtain a boat licence.

In a similar way that cars require road tax, the 30,000 boats on the waterways require a licence to use the nation's canals and rivers. The revenue from boat licences is an important contributor to the cost of maintaining the waterways. It helps to ensure vital activities, such as dredging the canal, keeping towpaths safe and maintaining 200-year-old locks and bridges, can continue.

British Waterways takes a serious view on unlicensed boats and this year has already seized 130 unlicensed craft. Where possible the boats are sold to recover costs while those with little or no value are generally crushed.

Denise Yelland, national enforcement manager, says: "Our canals are wonderful places to spend time exercising, enjoying wildlife or simply watching the world go by. The income from boating activity is very important in helping us maintain the network and most boaters are fully paid up contributors. There are however a small minority of licence evaders and we will be working hard to make sure we know who they are and where they are, so we can take the necessary action."

The National Boat Count takes place in November each year when most boats are at their home mooring for the winter. In addition the local patrol team carries out interim checks and enforcement actions to make sure that boats are properly licensed.

ENDS

For further information and media opportunities
For interviews and to join British Waterways patrol teams on the bank, contact:
Nayna Wood, tel, 020 7985 7263
Nayna.wood@britishwaterways.co.uk

Notes to editors
The national boat check is taking place between 10-21 November. Local patrol staff will record and confirm which boats are on British Waterway’s canals and rivers. This information is used to generate automated and up-to-date 'case lists' of boats requiring enforcement action.

British Waterways cares for 2,200 miles of the nation’s canals and rivers. Rich in heritage, abundant in wildlife and teeming with activity, inland waterways are as popular today as they've ever been. Half the population lives within five miles of one of our waterways and an incredible 11 million people use them every year as part of their everyday life – as a short-cut to work, for walking the dog or simply for taking time-out and watching the boats. British Waterways' job is to ensure the waterways attract enough investment to be well maintained and remain appealing to society and the local communities through which they pass.
www.britishwaterways.co.uk