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Boat removed from Kennet & Avon Canal

22nd Sep 2006

In accordance with a Court Order awarded to British Waterways at Trowbridge County Court, British Waterways has removed a boat from the Kennet & Avon Canal under Section 8 of the British Waterways Act 1983 and Section 13 of the British Waterways Act 1971.

Section 8 of the British Waterways Act 1983 permits British Waterways (BW), after giving at least 28 days notice, to remove a craft which is sunk, stranded, abandoned or unlawfully moored on one of their waterways. Section 13 of the British Waterways Act 1971 states that it is unlawful to moor or keep any houseboat (defined mainly as any vessel not used for navigation) on a BW waterway without a valid licence. It further gives BW the power to remove or (ultimately) demolish a houseboat if, following proper notice, the owner does not first remove it.

Both these acts pre-date the Human Rights Act 1998, so when dealing with boats on which people are living, in order to apply its powers in a way that is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, British Waterways asks the courts to decide on individual cases.

The removal is part of an on-going push by British Waterways to crack down on people who do not comply with British Waterways’ licensing terms and conditions.

Last updated: 22/10/2008