Unregistered boats targeted on Cambridgeshire river

A crackdown is under way targeting boat owners using a Cambridgeshire river but failing to register craft.

The Environment Agency said boaters on the River Nene who fail to register their craft or obtain a safety certificate face a £1,000 fine.

Sue Cant, of the agency's waterways team, said: "We are determined to stamp out problems of unregistered craft.

"River Inspectors are on patrol so if you fail to register you are committing an offence and face a £1,000 fine."

To register a craft owners may need a valid boat safety certificate and must pay a fee.

Money from registration fees is spent improving and maintaining the waterways.

This includes keeping structures such as locks working, keeping waterways clear of obstructions and providing new moorings and other facilities.

It is also the owner's responsibility to let the Environment Agency know if they sell their boat.

Failure may mean they remain liable for prosecution and any outstanding payments.