EA postpones consultation on boat charges
THE Environment Agency reported that it has seen a reduction in the movement of boats on its waterways and thanked those adhering to government guidance.
However it reiterated advice that boaters should make journeys only to access essential services and facilities.
Alice Mayne, deputy director for navigation and commercial development, said that it needs to continue management and regulation of its waterways in order to protect the environment and the public. The basis of funding for this work remains its fees and charges, including for boat registration and moorings.
She stated: “You will be aware that we have been carrying out a strategic review of our boat registration charges and are due to consult on our proposals this spring. We recognise now is not the right time for a consultation of this nature and we have taken the decision to postpone this work. This means implementation of a new charge scheme will be delayed until 2022.” • If you keep or use your boat on one of the EA’s waterways, you still need to register it as required by the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010. The income the EA receives from boat registration is vital for it to continue to manage and maintain its waterways.
• The EA says it understands the challenges coronavirus is causing and that some customers are particularly affected by the recent measures to restrict the spread of the virus.
• As the EA’s Boat Registration team is working remotely at the moment in line with government guidance, it is not able to print and send out registration plates. Therefore, when you register, you will only receive confirmation of your payment by email. Your registration plate will be sent out as soon as the EA is able to do so. In the meantime the EA will not expect you to display a valid registration plate on your boat.
• The EA understands that some customers may have Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certification which has expired or is due to expire within the next few months. As customers are not able to get new certification at this time due to the current government restrictions and advice, the EA will be extending certification in line with the agreed position issued by the BSS on behalf of the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust.