New Website for EA moorings

[djm]

In terms of the Environment Agency moorings, is an overnight charge even lawful?

Section 136 of the Thames Conservancy Act 1932:
Charges for use of moorings.
136. The Conservators may from time to time demand and receive in respect of vessels using any of the moorings in the Thames belonging to the Conservators
the charges appointed by byelaws of the Conservators for the time being in force save that no charge shall be made for vessels tied up or moored at night or for a
reasonable time when not at work unless the traffic of the Thames is thereby impeded.

 

[Outinthedinghy]

Seems a bit iffy the whole setup. Would if be other boaters doing the enforcement ? Annoying if I arrive at a ea mooring and someone mistakes me for another boat (u likely in my boat !) and assumes I have overstayed.

As mentioned the TVM thing does not appear to be a charity.

Steve at Henley does a good job but point being he is resident during boating season and does a lot of behind the scenes work which may not be obvious. So he is an asset to a landowner.
Simply contracting out mooring fee collections to a "non person" does not sem to me to be something that would succeed.

 

[capnfishy]

The point of introducing charges for mooring beyond the well-established 24 hour period was only to deter overstaying. It was not about raising revenue or pre-booking.

I await B1's briefing doc from the EA then will pass humble opinion.

 

[Rascal Joe]

Interesting site but does require an internet connection. Details of all moorings (EA and others) and lots of other stuff in the River Thames Guide free app for iOS and Android; details and download links here:
http://www.iphoneipodapps.net/rtg

 

[AuntyRinum]

Wondered if anyone had seen this new website for registering and paying for the new system at EA moorings, plus info on a few more. Looks like a good idea?
http://www.thamesvisitormoorings.co.uk/about/

Have the website owners been officially sanctioned to collect mooring fees on the EA's behalf?
I don't see any endorsement from the EA on the website, and notices at the moorings say that the official collector of mooring fees is the nearest lock keeper or, in the event of non payment, a car park/clamping company whose name I can't remember.

 

[capnfishy]

We await the EA's formal briefing on this, that will be posted up by B1 when received following the recent TNUF meeting. Stand by folks.

 

[ianc1200]

Arrived at the EA 24 hr moorings above Sonning lock about 4pm yesterday. Absolutely no boats moored there for about the 1.5 miles upriver to the open field - so success the long term nb liveboards have moved on. Noted the notice says you have to register your arrival with the lock keeper on arrival. Also the notice includes anchoring in said spot which I thought a bit odd. Went to pub and when got back 4 boats by then on tge 24 hour mooring and two boats on the lock waiting area for the night. Somebody had left the lock full and gates open. Standards slipping!

 

[rustic]

Arrived at the EA 24 hr moorings above Sonning lock about 4pm yesterday. Absolutely no boats moored there for about the 1.5 miles upriver to the open field - so success the long term nb liveboards have moved on. Noted the notice says you have to register your arrival with the lock keeper on arrival. Also the notice includes anchoring in said spot which I thought a bit odd. Went to pub and when got back 4 boats by then on the 24 hour mooring and two boats on the lock waiting area for the night. Somebody had left the lock full and gates open. Standards slipping!

I am new to thus sort of mooring, but as I see it, if you arrive late after the lock keeper has gone home, then the idea is that you log your arrival electronically, otherwise the lock keeper or representative, may assume you have been there longer than the free 24 hours and charge accordingly.
To be honest, in my opinion, the idea of forward booking a mooring won't be as popular to many, but if you did, what happens when you arrive and all the moorings are taken, it's not as if the lock keeper will put reserved on the bollards.
I guess the principle is the same as 2 hours free parking on a car park, but you must get a ticket to prove your arrival time. Fair enough.
Personally, when on holidsy or relaxing, I don't want to be ruled by the clock, I don't want to be deal with administration, I don't really want the internet, no I'll take that back lol. I guess we are ruled by the clock regarding arrival at locks, especially if you don't want to work them yourselves.
Richard