Boat owners will be prosecuted for failing to register watercrafts

New legislation introduced in April 2011 requires all boats kept on the River Thames to display a valid annual boat registration plate.
The Environment Agency is aiming to check every boat on the River Thames by the end of the year.
Owners of boats not displaying valid registration plates could face prosecution.
Speed checks will also be carried out on the river during the coming weeks.
Again, if boat owners ignore the speed limit of four knots, or eight kmh, they will be prosecuted.
The Environment Agency’s Thames waterway operations manager, Matt Carter said: "The income we raise from boat registration fees helps to pay for the upkeep of the entire non-tidal navigation between Teddington and Lechlade, a length of 144 miles, including 45 locks. All boats kept on the river which includes berths in marinas, must display a valid annual registration plate.
"The Thames is the oldest and most famous public navigation in the world, and we need every penny of registration income that we are due to keep it in the best condition possible."
Information and advice on how to purchase a boat registration can be found on our website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling 03708 506 506.