Last week, I attended the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the River Thames, which included a discussion on the issue of illegally moored boats along the river. This is a growing and frustrating problem for local residents, particularly those who live along the Thames in Molesey.
The meeting was a good opportunity to hear from local residents, the Environment Agency, Elmbridge Borough Council and organisations representing the views of river users.
I made two key points. First, all existing powers should be used as rigorously as possible to address illegal moorings, including the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO). A PSPO can be used to target a specific issue in a particular area that is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of local residents, by prohibiting certain actions.
Second, if the full and robust use of existing powers are not effective in ensuring the law is properly enforced, the government must now consider strengthening the law so that we can take effective action to preserve the interests of residents and the public.
