boatone
Well-known member
Environment Agency proposes new charging and movement monitoring regime for the River Thames
The Enviroment Agency announced today that it proposes to introduce new revenue collection procedures which will operate in conjunction with the existing licence scheme for boats using the non tidal Thames between Lechlade and Teddington.
Chip, Responder and Pin card terminals will shortly be installed at all locks and EA Mooring Locations. These terminals will serve as payment points for lock transit and overnight mooring fees as well as providing valuable statistical information regarding river useage which will aid in future planning. Terminals will also be installed at all fuelling points on the river and vendors will be required to ensure that all purchasers of fuel swipe their cards before transfer of fuel commences.
Chip, Responder and Pin cards will also carry a responder chip capable of being interrogated by radio transponders located at strategic points along the river.
The introduction of this new technology infrastructure will enable detailed monitoring of vessel movements as well as ensuring that payment is collected in a timely manner.
Installation of the new terminals has already commenced and is expected to be complete by 1st July 2007 from which date the new arrangements will apply.
Full annual licence holders will automatically be issued with a Chip, Responder and Pin card providing full access to all EA facilities without addtional charge.
Visitors entering the River Thames will be issued with a Chip, Responder and Pin card at the first lock they transit and will pay an initial £50 non returnable deposit which will be offset against charges incurred during their stay. Visitors will be able to 'top up' their cards at any terminal to ensure that they are always in credit during their stay on the river.
Details of charges for transiting locks and overnight mooring fees will be issued shortly and it is expected that these will vary, particularly in areas of severe congestion such as Bray and Boveney locks.
The EA are seeking active participation from river users without whom this new initiative will prove difficult to implement.
For further details please contact the Press Office.
The Enviroment Agency announced today that it proposes to introduce new revenue collection procedures which will operate in conjunction with the existing licence scheme for boats using the non tidal Thames between Lechlade and Teddington.
Chip, Responder and Pin card terminals will shortly be installed at all locks and EA Mooring Locations. These terminals will serve as payment points for lock transit and overnight mooring fees as well as providing valuable statistical information regarding river useage which will aid in future planning. Terminals will also be installed at all fuelling points on the river and vendors will be required to ensure that all purchasers of fuel swipe their cards before transfer of fuel commences.
Chip, Responder and Pin cards will also carry a responder chip capable of being interrogated by radio transponders located at strategic points along the river.
The introduction of this new technology infrastructure will enable detailed monitoring of vessel movements as well as ensuring that payment is collected in a timely manner.
Installation of the new terminals has already commenced and is expected to be complete by 1st July 2007 from which date the new arrangements will apply.
Full annual licence holders will automatically be issued with a Chip, Responder and Pin card providing full access to all EA facilities without addtional charge.
Visitors entering the River Thames will be issued with a Chip, Responder and Pin card at the first lock they transit and will pay an initial £50 non returnable deposit which will be offset against charges incurred during their stay. Visitors will be able to 'top up' their cards at any terminal to ensure that they are always in credit during their stay on the river.
Details of charges for transiting locks and overnight mooring fees will be issued shortly and it is expected that these will vary, particularly in areas of severe congestion such as Bray and Boveney locks.
The EA are seeking active participation from river users without whom this new initiative will prove difficult to implement.
For further details please contact the Press Office.
