Hounslow mooring byelaws

[NigelMoore]

Just brought to my attention – Hounslow are publishing their intention to introduce mooring byelaws.

Written representations are invited to be sent to :-

Mike Sudlow, Director, Asset Management & Major Projects, London Borough of Hounslow

michael.sudlow@hounslow.gov.uk

The relevant documentation can be found at :-

https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/downloads/download/432/byelaws_relating_to_moorings

 

 

Unfortunately the maps provided – as indeed the Schedule 1 list, do not cover all areas described in the news item. That specifically includes Brent river frontage alongside Boston Manor, and the byelaws relate to all riparian land “owned or managed” by the Council – what constitutes “managed by” is open to question in the absence of comprehensive plans.

 

While I have always advocated the byelaw approach to such control, in place of the usual and legally questionable civil proceedings usually taken (not to mention expensive – the Council claim it has cost them a half million pounds in court actions thus far), the lazy adoption of (part only) of the Richmond moorings byelaws is reprehensible and ridiculous. Only 1 hour stays are permitted unless prior agreement is obtained, which is scarcely enough for anyone to tie up long enough to do some shopping locally, and on the tidal sections (most of the area affected) would be impossible to comply with anyway, if stranded by low tides.

 

Anyone interested should put their oar in, with any suggested modifications.

Edited February 8, 2019 by NigelMoore
locate pic

[Chewbacka]

When the tide drops the levels, If the boat is sat on the bottom but not attached to the bank, is it moored???

 

Likewise if the boat is floating, but on an anchor, so near the bank but not attached to the bank is it moored as far as the council byelaws are concerned?

Edited February 8, 2019 by Chewbacka

[NigelMoore]

The byelaw defines "moor" to include physically touching the land OR tied to it, so if they owned the bed, just sitting on the mud would count as mooring. However, the definition of land includes only that which is above mean high water.

 

Then again, "land" includes "any land owned or managed by the Council", so conceivably they could include the bed of the river over which they have a PLA riverworks licence perhaps? I doubt they have thought that far though, it is very lazy drafting.

[NigelMoore]

A reminder to any concerned – deadline for comment to michael.sudlow@hounslow.gov.uk runs out tomorrow.

https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/downloads/file/2000/proposed_mooring_bye_laws_-_feb_2019