boatone
Well-known member
We occasionally see the word 'enforcement' mentioned in this forum, usually in connection with speeding, unlicensed boats , overstaying moorings and the like.
The assumption seems to be that 'Enforcement' is something the 'authorities' - primarily the EA but perhaps also, in some circumstance the Police, should be doing to enforce the law and bye laws in relation to the river.
So, how do you view 'enforcement'? Do you expect there to be an authority presence clearly in evidence and taking direct action to advise and/or apprehend offenders ? Or do you regard 'enforcement' as being the action taken once an offender has been identified which may include prosecution ?
From a personal point of view, my expectation is that there will be an EA presence on the river - primarily River Inspectors and Lock Staff - charged with ensuring that the various laws and bye-laws are complied with and that suitable action is taken where a breach is evidenced.
However, Lock Keepers are by the very nature of their work confined to the lock areas and, according to the 2009/10 Annual Report for the RIver Thames, a TOTAL of 310 river patrols by boat were carried out during the year - less than ONE per day for the WHOLE length of the non tidal Thames.
My conclusion is that 'Enforcement' at least as far as the EA is concerned is going to largely be reactive rather than proactive - in other words 'we no tell-ie...... they no do-ee' except when they happen to be in the right place at the right time.
The assumption seems to be that 'Enforcement' is something the 'authorities' - primarily the EA but perhaps also, in some circumstance the Police, should be doing to enforce the law and bye laws in relation to the river.
So, how do you view 'enforcement'? Do you expect there to be an authority presence clearly in evidence and taking direct action to advise and/or apprehend offenders ? Or do you regard 'enforcement' as being the action taken once an offender has been identified which may include prosecution ?
From a personal point of view, my expectation is that there will be an EA presence on the river - primarily River Inspectors and Lock Staff - charged with ensuring that the various laws and bye-laws are complied with and that suitable action is taken where a breach is evidenced.
However, Lock Keepers are by the very nature of their work confined to the lock areas and, according to the 2009/10 Annual Report for the RIver Thames, a TOTAL of 310 river patrols by boat were carried out during the year - less than ONE per day for the WHOLE length of the non tidal Thames.
My conclusion is that 'Enforcement' at least as far as the EA is concerned is going to largely be reactive rather than proactive - in other words 'we no tell-ie...... they no do-ee' except when they happen to be in the right place at the right time.
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