Winter GTM permits illegal

Published: Thursday, 17 September 2015

HAVING told that General Towpath Mooring (GTM) permits were being discontinued because they 'had not worked very well last year' (No General Towpath Moorings this winter), Canal & River Trust (CaRT) have finally admitted the truth. They are illegal!

 

Over the past two years the Trust has been issuing GTM permits which allow boaters without home moorings to stay longer than 14 days anywhere of their choosing during winter months. However this type of permit has now been discontinued.

Unsigned statement

In an unsigned statement dated 19th August 2015, the Trust says that, following questions raised about GTM permits, it has taken legal advice which has confirmed that the their legality is questionable.

A press release (dated 7th March 2014) announced that CaRT had decided not to implement a similar scheme, Roving Mooring Permits, following ‘further consideration of legal issues'.

Not responsible

In a half hearted apology the Trust added ‘We would like to thank everyone who has helped us to develop and explore these proposals; those involved in this process had been assured previously that the proposal was deliverable, and bear no responsibility for this late change'.

This time around there is no attempt at an apology. Perhaps this is because of embarrassment, having got it wrong twice by failing to check out the legal issues at an early stage.

Reimbursement

On the other hand, it might be that an apology to those who purchased permits in good faith might lead to reimbursement.

... and that would never do!