Published: Monday, 8th March, 2010 5:18pm

Man fined for speeding on the Thames

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A BOATER has been prosecuted for failing to navigate a boat at a safe speed and without due care and caution along the River Thames.

Mark Lancaster of Gerrards Cross, was found guilty by Maidenhead Magistrates Court on Friday last week where he was fined £500 and ordered to pay £4,026 compensation to a boat owner whose craft suffered damage as a direct result of the excessive speed.

The court heard how in August 2009 Mr Lancaster had been navigating his boat the "Royal T" between Boveney Lock, which is opposite Windsor Racecourse and close to Eton Wick, and Ruddles Pool, when it was driven at such a speed that it caused extensive damage to a nearby boat, inconvenienced other boaters, and endangered the safety of other river-users.

Waterways operation manager for the Environment Agency, Andrew Graham, said: "We are pleased with the fines that have been handed out following this prosecution. Driving without due care and caution is not tolerated on the River Thames and I am pleased that this incident was reported. The witnesses were extremely concerned for their moored boats and their personal safety."

Waves created by the speeding boat caused other vessels on the River Thames to move dangerously in the water. The owner of a boat that hit the river bed as a consequence of the waves, causing costly engine damage, was awarded £4,026 compensation.

Mr Graham added: "Excessive wash caused by speeding boats is not only dangerous to people navigating smaller crafts, but also causes bank erosion, subsequent bank destabilisation, and is harmful to aquatic life and nesting birds. I hope this incident serves to remind boat owners that speeding can be a costly mistake."