The Environment Agency is increasing boat registration fees payable on the
non-tidal Thames by 12% per annum for the next three years
ie a total rise of about 40% over the three year period.
Other issues include shortage of moorings (including the problems created by a substantial increase in the number of narrowboats visiting the river), sanitary and water facilities, river depths and dredging, inadequate locks (particularly at Bray and Boveney), and I am sure you can think of many more.
Organisations like the Association of Thames Yacht Clubs endeavor to maintain a boatowners dialogue with the EA but the majority of boaters do not belong to clubs and have no point of contact where they can collectively make their views known.
We have therefore set up a Thames Users Forum on the Yachting and Boating World website. Please take a look and join us if you care about the river and our continued enjoyment as boat users.
You can find out more about MAD on The Thames
and how to join the forum on our website at:
We look forward to seeing you and helping to make our voices heard.
Please, also, support us by informing other boaters you know,
or meet on the river, about MAD and the Thames Forum.