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Crack down on speeding boats

29th Jul 2005

It's good news for considerate boaters; the Environment Agency is cracking down on boats which exceed the 5mph speed limit in well known speeding-spots.

Thirty-three boaters have been cautioned and three face possible prosecution after being caught breaking the 8km/h (5mph) speed limit on the non-tidal River Thames.

A passenger boat and a hire boat, each travelling at an estimated 12km/h, were among those caught flouting the law during a two-day Environment Agency crackdown from July 21 to 22.

Environment Agency river inspectors carried out eight patrols over the two days in and around renowned speeding hotspots including Oxford, Henley and Surrey. Speed radar guns were used to check boats suspected of breaking the limit.

Further unannounced operations will be mounted throughout the summer along the length of the River Thames, from Lechlade in Gloucestershire to Teddington Lock on the outskirts of London.

Stuart Taylor, Operations Manager for the Lower non-tidal Thames, said: "We want everyone to enjoy the magnificence of the River Thames and not have their experience marred by an inconsiderate few who speed and navigate in an unruly manner. Speeding boats pose a real safety risk within the confines of the river and the wash they create damages banks and produces the river’s equivalent of 'earthquakes' for moored boats and houseboats."

Stuart continued: "The operation has been a complete success. We caught 33 boats travelling at excessive speeds and noted a general improvement over the weekend in the numbers of boats sticking to the speed limit and watching their wash. However, we won’t be resting on our laurels. Our officers will be conducting further speed check operations over the summer to dissuade those who might be tempted to speed."

Last updated: 22/10/2008