--- In [email protected], "Sue Burchett" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Eugene wrote > >Scenario one: boat is noticed unlicensed, and one month later I > >pass it again and see it's still unlicensed. I automatically assume > >BW aren't doing anything. And I'd be very wrong. > > > >The fact is that BW will be doing lots of things, but we won't be > >erecting flashing lights and banners above each boat informing you > >that things are in hand. And the even simpler fact is we can't just > >get the boat off the water the day it's licence runs out, unlike the > >DVLA and police who can with cars. Sometimes experiences from other > >walks of life confuse what happens on the canal network. It's not > >because BW aren't bothered, it's because we don't have the powers to > >do it this way. > > > >When it comes to liveaboards we are talking at least 18 months to > >successful prosecution, by the way. Non liveaboard cn be up to 12 > >months. But rest assured, the non licensed boater will either pay > >(plus back dating) or the boat will eventually be removed. But not > >overnight and not within a couple of months either. > > This is something I say on a regular basis. I believe BW are doing well on license evaison. I am not sure whether it is cost effective. It must cost thousands in wages, office expenses and legal costs to recover 500-600 pounds a boat. > > Sue nb Nackered Navvy > Apologies for not editing the rest of the message text but the points made are important. As a boater I used to get very frustrated by the perceived lack of visual evidence that something was happening about the non-licenced, no BSC compliant, mooring in the same place without paying or giving a [EMAIL PROTECTED] brigade. As a boater I'm still concerned but these days, as a BW person as well as boater, I am aware of how much progress we are all making, however slowly in dealing with the problem. Eugene is totally right. Most boaters are not aware of what BW are doing and under data protection and all sorts of other stuff we can't tell people what we're doing necessarily. By all means, keep bringing stuff to our attention but in most cases, we are aware and we are doing something and we wish it could be faster and we understand everyone's frustration. It's not fair that a small minority should be ripping everyone else off when funds are so tight for what we all value and hold so close to our hearts. I could pour myself another drink and continue but I don't think it would be appropriate somehow. Debbi
