Licence or else...

THE Environment Agency is warning all boaters on the Thames that with the start of the season they must make sure their boat is licenced.

Last year the agency caught around 300 boats on the river without a licence, and so reminds them being caught without a licence could end in prosecution and a fine.

Which could be very expensive indeed, as one boater  who was caught without a licence in February found out, as he was successfully prosecuted at Richmond Magistrates Court which cost him over £1000.

Kim Pottinger, Waterways Income Team Leader at the Environment Agency, warned:

"I'm urging people to think ahead and register their boat with us in good time. People found using a boat on the Thames without a registration may find themselves being given a police-style caution and facing prosecution, which isn't an ideal way to end a nice day out on the river!"