The Department for Transport (DfT) is running a consultation on strengthening enforcement against the dangerous use of recreational and personal watercraft. The consultation mainly concerns the dangerous use of craft such as jetskis. However the DfT is also asking in Question 12 for respondents to submit documentary evidence that alcohol or drug use among recreational […]
Boaters pledge to disobey restrictions as CRT reneges on so-called ‘safety zones’ agreement
After a successful campaign against the so-called ‘safety zones’ which were to be implemented on the Lee Navigation in Broxbourne and Hackney, Canal & River Trust (CRT) advised the public that they would not be introducing them; unfortunately, we now know this not to be fully true. We believe that CRT, having lost the opening […]
We still want to hear from boaters affected by new CRT licence T&C – Update regarding Crowdjustice fundraiser ‘Protect boats that are people’s homes!’
The coalition of boat dwellers, NBTA and other support organisations that is running the appeal for funds for the legal challenge to CRT’s revised Boat Licence Terms and Conditions is extremely grateful to all the supporters who have made donations to this appeal. The appeal has been paused and may be wound up soon. This […]
NBTA General Meeting by phone and Zoom, 23rd October
The NBTA will be holding its General Meeting on Saturday 23rd October 2021. Given the continued risks presented by Covid-19, this year the meeting will be held by phone and Zoom. For regular users of Zoom this will be straightforward. For people less used to video conferencing we will be giving some brief guidance on […]
CRT backs down over so-called River Lea ‘safety zones’
The climbdown response on 1st September 2021 by Canal & River Trust (CRT) to the stakeholder engagement with respect to the River Lee Water Safety Zones, carried out by Hopkins Van Mil, represents a massive victory for the boating community of London, said the NBTA’s London branch, which made the following statement:
EA sacks District Enforcement
The Environment Agency (EA) has today terminated its contract with District Enforcement for enforcement of EA visitor mooring time limits on the Thames and District Enforcement will cease operations on 31st August 2021. In an email to members of the Thames Navigation Users Forum, the EA said the decision was made “following a review that […]
EA to increase registration fees by 10% – please respond to consultation by 16th September
The Environment Agency (EA) is running a consultation on proposals for a revised and standardised boat registration charging framework and increases in its registration charges between 2022 and 2024 across the Thames, Anglian and Upper Medway waterways. We would like members’ views on the proposals to help with formulating the NBTA response, please contact secretariat@bargee-traveller.org.uk […]
Resist CRT mooring restrictions in Milton Keynes!
Canal & River Trust (CRT) has imposed further mooring restrictions in Milton Keynes, a move which will make life harder for Bargee Travellers in the area and reduce their ability to exercise their rights to stay for 14 days in any one place conferred by Section 17(3)(c)(ii) of the British Waterways Act 1995. There is […]
Oxford City Council recognises boats as affordable homes
In an astonishing U-turn compared to its previous anti-liveaboard policy, Oxford City Council voted to recognise boats as affordable housing in a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on 9th December 2020.
NBTA presentation to All Party Parliamentary Waterways Group
On 8th June 2021, the NBTA gave a presentation to the All Party Parliamentary Waterways Group (APPWG) on the subject of ‘Living on the Water’. Canal & River Trust (CRT) and the Residential Boat Owners Association were also invited to give presentations. Each organisation was requested to state their three ‘key asks’ of Government.