For too long, illegal moorings have been a blight along the Thames riverbank in Elmbridge and a key local concern for my constituents.
I have consistently favoured the removal of illegal moorings through a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). In 2019, I formally requested that Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) pursue the implementation of a PSPO as soon as possible.
Now, following renewed pressure from myself and the Conservative Group at EBC, the council are consulting on a PSPO to prohibit illegal mooring on council-owned land. I am pleased that Elmbridge Borough Council have reversed their position and accepted my proposal to tackle the illegal moorings properly with a PSPO.
I am pleased that Elmbridge Borough Council have reversed their position and accepted my proposal to tackle the illegal moorings properly with a PSPO.
To hold Elmbridge Borough Council to their decision, I launched my 2023 Illegal Moorings Survey, inviting thousands of Molesey and Walton residents to share their views on illegal moorings:
A joined-up approach to enforcement
The Environment Agency (EA) also own a considerable stretch of the riverbank in Elmbridge. A PSPO would only be enforceable on council-owned land.
As Member of Parliament, I hold regular meetings with the Environment Agency to support them in enforcing against illegal moorings on EA-owned land. More on this here.