London canal boater slams new waterways licence review

London: Nick Corrigan has been living on his boat for eight years, often mooring on the Regent’s Canal. He loves the freedom of being on the water and rarely stays in one spot for more than a couple of weeks. But now, he’s worried about his way of life.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) recently announced plans to review the legal framework around boat licensing. This has raised alarms among “continuous cruisers” like Nick, who fear it could strip away protections they currently enjoy.

The CRT has already made changes that hit itinerant boaters hard, like adding surcharges and creating more chargeable moorings. Those with a permanent mooring don’t face the surcharge, but they pay higher fees.

The National Bargees Travellers Association (NBTA) is sounding the alarm, calling the new commission a “deeply worrying escalation.” They believe the CRT is targeting their community, claiming that boaters in high-demand areas are seen as a nuisance.

A spokesperson from the NBTA said it feels like the CRT wants to push them out, even though they’re following the rules. Nick echoed these concerns, saying he’s been a law-abiding boater for years and now feels unwelcome.

He worries that the review could force him to travel longer distances or limit how long he can stay in one place. “I’ve followed the rules for eight years, and now I’m being told I’m no longer welcome,” he said.

Nick loves his lifestyle and doesn’t want to be stuck in a marina. “I like being out on the water. I will keep fighting to maintain that lifestyle,” he added.

Matthew Symonds from the CRT responded, saying they don’t agree with the NBTA’s claims. He emphasized that the charity’s job is to manage the canals fairly for everyone, including those living on boats.

He mentioned that the commission will look into various aspects of boating regulations, but it’s too early to say what changes might come.