The RYA fears that restrictions may be imposed on the movement of boats by trailer around the UK
The hosepipe ban could mean trailered boat movements are restricted, to stop contamination. Water companies in the south and south east of England will enforce a ban on
the use of hosepipes with effect from Thursday 5th April.
“Hosing
down boats before they are moved to another location in order to remove any
non-native species that may have ‘climbed aboard’ has been fundamental in
minimising their spread across the country”, said RYA Planning &
Environmental Advisor Caroline Price. “If the hosepipe ban prevents the
thorough hosing down of such boats and no alternative management is recommended
there is a danger that Defra could look to place restrictions on the movement
of boats to different waters in the UK in order to prevent the spread of these
non-natives.”
Owners
who keep their boats afloat will be affected less and are likely to be allowed
to continue to use hoses to fill tanks with drinking water. Consultations are
taking place between the RYA and Defra on the implications of the ban, but boat
owners are advised to visit www.hosepipeban.org.uk
for further information.
