Are not enforced

A very balanced article from Ralph Freeman on the mooring issue, writes Jan Swatridge.

It had escaped me that as well as all continuous cruisers being in the 'most likely to overstay' group it has now been extended to 'any boat with coal or logs on their roof'. I'd be interested to know the details of this. Our boat is guilty—of cruising and logging—but not overstaying!

Bad behaviour rewarded

As all who cruise within the rules continue to say, the problem is that the current rules aren't enforced and therefore bad behaviour is rewarded. Boaters who are unlucky enough to only use their boats for weekends and holidays find it convenient to lump all live aboards into the "wrong 'un" group when time and time again figures show them to be wrong.

We have just left our paid-for winter mooring. 200 yards across on the towpath was a boat which hasn't moved since, at least, July 2012 when we first went past. Have I reported it?—no (it is licenced). Will I pay for a mooring 200 yards away from it next winter? If we were going back, yes I would. Would I expect to see the boat in the same spot next year? Yes I would because we had a fantastic mooring, very quiet and it suited us to have electricity and water during the winter. Would I pay the ridiculous sum for a CaRT winter mooring 200 yards away with no water, no Elsan and no rubbish—mmm! And funny old thing. although there were winter moorings available no-one did!

Blame

Who do I blame? British Waterways initially who made enforcement a joke and CaRT who have missed an opportunity to send out the message that times have changed and overstaying is no longer acceptable. In my view if there is no enforcement there can be no respect.