River Thames Unauthorised Mooring 2025-04-29

Opened the debate

No issue in my constituency demonstrates more the inertia and failure of the previous political leadership than the problem of overstayed, wrecked and abandoned boats that have been left to proliferate along the banks of the Thames for the last decade. Esher and Walton is a river community where various activities such as rowing clubs, sea scouts, wild swimming groups, riverside businesses, and tourism are impacted by these boats lining the entire length from Dittons through Molesey and into Walton-on-Thames. There are wrecked vessels visible to tourists at Hampton Court Palace, unregistered overstay boats generating litter and waste, fenced off public land on the towpath, and areas characterised by drug use and antisocial behaviour. Residents report harassment including threats of physical harm, theft, fly-tipping, dog fouling, and antisocial behaviour. Rowing clubs and boat hire companies are unable to launch due to these issues which have led to alterations in the Molesey regatta course. The Environment Agency has failed to address the situation over years leading to a rise in the number of such boats approaching 250.

Government Response

The Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised by the hon. Member for Esher and Walton and expressed understanding about the need for coordinated action. She emphasised that enforcement actions must be within legal limits and proportionate, noting that the Environment Agency is developing specific actions to address the problems in Elmbridge. The minister noted that over £150,000 has been spent on enforcement operations, ongoing legal action, and vessel removals in 2024-25. She committed to further questioning the Environment Agency about its powers and working collaboratively with local authorities to find a solution. We have taken steps to address the issues highlighted by the hon. Lady Helen Hayes and her constituents regarding boat usage on the River Wey. Trespass notices have been issued where necessary, and advice has been given to boaters on registration, conduct and waste responsibilities. The Environment Agency has also removed boater waste accumulations from agency and local authority land. On 1 April it published a strategic framework for enforcement throughout the 144-mile stretch of the river, and it tells me that it has developed an Elmbridge-specific compliance and enforcement plan that has been shared with local partners for their input. However, in light of the concerns raised, the agency is developing a longer-term land management strategy to reduce reliance on enforcement and create more sustainable outcomes instead. This includes the feasibility of additional lawful mooring agreements for registered boaters, supporting local authority duties for homelessness and housing, and biodiversity enhancements to deter trespass in sensitive areas. The Environment Agency will be strengthening collaboration with Elmbridge borough council, Surrey police and community partners on necessary enforcement actions, as well as continuing current deployments over the coming months. In a wider context, it is certainly true that the legislative landscape surrounding navigation management is complex, and this has emerged largely from historical legacies. With changing use of waterways over time, new challenges have arisen in relation to residential mooring, which should be taken into account when shaping future regulation and planning. We are also willing to convene a group of MPs to discuss further actions if invited.