Reading Thames cruising

Must be enough evidence there for a prosecution?

Not sure that the EA are that interested though as it has nothing to do with "revenue protection" which seems to be the only string left to their bow.
 
rr_123 said:
Must be enough evidence there for a prosecution
Click to expand...

Regrettably, probably not. There is no way of identifying that boat and its location beyond all reasonable doubt and even witness statements will probably not be that reliable or precise enough.
The burden of proof would lie with the EA and there is no point in proceeding with a prosecution that stands no chance of success - just throwing money away and tying up resources (people) that can be better used.

Most people on the river don't care anyway, and rarely enough to actually be prepared to get involved and provide hard evidence and statements.

Even a greater presence of patrols would be unlikely to catch an offender like that.
 
Can't agree with you I'm afraid Tony, the guy has posted that in a public place saying look at me, this is me, guilty as a puppy sitting next to a pile of poo.

If he wasn't licensed they'd be all over him like a rash.

Seperate issue but there's a narrow boat moored just above Staines bridge that has been resident on a 24 hour mooring since before Christmas, the EA's response was that they would "send a patrol boat down to the area and will encourage these boats to move on, advising them about the 24 hour mooring period".

That was over a month ago.

The narrow boats are allowed to "continuously cruise" the canal network and British Waterways try to get heavy handed with the "continuous moorers" who, at best, hop from bridge to bridge and back again.

If the EA don't wise up to that the Thames will very soon be seen as a soft touch, it is however licensed and so I guess they don't really care.

Ditto with people who can happily test their planing boats on the river and post the videos on you-tube.
 
rr_123 said:
Can't agree with you I'm afraid Tony, the guy has posted that in a public place saying look at me, this is me, guilty as a puppy sitting next to a pile of poo.
Click to expand...
I agree with your sentiments entirely but that doesn't mean the EA should blindly pursue an issue that has probably no chance of success - with finances as they are there are many who would consider that an irresponsible use of resources.
Seperate issue but there's a narrow boat moored just above Staines bridge that has been resident on a 24 hour mooring since before Christmas, the EA's response was that they would "send a patrol boat down to the area and will encourage these boats to move on, advising them about the 24 hour mooring period".
Click to expand...
Let me have details and I'll raise it through the TMBA. If you are referring to the moorings alongside the park have you approached the local authority who, I believe, manage those moorings on behalf of the EA ?
The narrow boats are allowed to "continuously cruise" the canal network and British Waterways try to get heavy handed with the "continuous moorers" who, at best, hop from bridge to bridge and back again.
Click to expand...
Not sure how far its got but there are moves to require all registered boats to have a "home" mooring. That won't stop them "continuously cruising" though!

People - and that includes some river users - behave irresponsibly. Society does little to tackle them directly and if we do we are met with abuse and sometimes violence. Policing takes resources - people and money - and the EA are being strapped like everyone else.
Whats your solution?
 
Last edited:
I think that there is a good chance of success in a prosecution with self obtained video evidence and an online confession, but even a couple of failed prosecutions will give the message that they will prosecute, which may make Billy Chav think twice.

I agree that the EA, like many thanks to the borrowed profligacy of the last ten years, are currently strapped, I am sure that we could easily get into a long running debate about not wasting hard earned tax-payer's money on ridiculous causes, but there should be a very strong case for tapping the bigger purse for funding - a tiny amount in the scale of things.

The Thames is one of the South of England's major, major recreational facilities - for every leisure boat there are a dozen fisherman, a hundred families, and a thousand dog walkers enjoying it, and yet leisure boats are the major source of income? Not moaning about the exhorbitant amount that I pay for my licence, my choice, just saying like.

[edit]ps, no, the narrow boat is on the recently refurbished "Sainsbury's" mooring opposite Church Island. Come to think of it I am not even sure that it is an EA mooring, there is no signage at all, but the quality of the refurbishment suggests public body - the work that does get done on the river is of a very high standard[/edit]
 
Last edited:
He probably became somewhat perplexed with getting loads of hits & could well have sussed & is now a new member to the forum. Hopefully he will have learnt from it but probably not, having seen some of his other vids on yourtub. At least the boat has been sold, so with a little bit of luck he will take up a different hobby:)
Just feel sorry for the new owners if they are to remain on the Thames:rolleyes: A new boat name may be the ticket
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top