Punting ‘ruined’ by health and safety

STRINGENT new health and safety rules mean punters on the River Cam must now sit through an airline-style safety briefing – even though the boats travel at just two miles an hour.

Tourists slammed the ‘ over the top’ guidelines approved by the Conservators of the River Cam yesterday, saying they have ‘ ruined’ the relaxing Cambridge pastime.

And punt chauffeurs said the rules would have little effect on making the river safer.

Under the new code of practice visitors can no longer lounge in a punt and must keep their feet and hands inside at all times. They may not listen to ‘amplified music’ while punting and all punters must be over 14.

Tour operators must have a designated safety officer, display five safety signs on their boats, supply life jackets and rescue anyone who falls into the water. Chauffeurs must be 16 or over, and anyone caught in a ‘dangerous punting incident’ faces a sixmonth ban.

Peter Williams, from Cambridge, said: ‘I love punting with my family, but these over- the-top health and safety rules have ruined it. It’s meant to be a relaxing pursuit.’

Sam Matthews, of the Traditional Punting Company, said: ‘The Conservators insist the chauffeurs must be fully trained and a minimum age of 16. They then allow over 14’s to take out self-hires with no training and then wonder why there are so many collisions.

‘In my opinion they are concentrating their health and safety efforts in the wrong place.’

Conservators spokesman Jed Ramsay said: ‘The revised code of conduct will bring improvements in safety for everyone who enjoys punting.’