This below was what I put out at the time.
5 June 2013 ·
WHY THE ROVING PERMITS
Let me start by making it clear that the Roving Mooring Permit is NOT a compulsory option for cc’ers. It is an option that can be taken up by Live aboard boaters and carries Grandfather Rights.
No one will be forced into taking up an RPM through CRT upping enforcement.
Several groups have been formed in the South East region and have been looking at the permit as a solution to a problem. That problem being, lack of online moorings (along with the prices they are fetching) and unaffordability of marina moorings in the area.
On top of this, the councils are looking at charging council tax on boats. This has brought about the problem of moorings then needing planning permission, which is becoming ever more difficult for marinas and CRT to obtain.
The RPM takes away the necessity of planning permission, by if you like, developing a floating marina.
What has gone before, regarding people living on boats, CRT not enforcing sufficiently and all the other arguments, do not really matter now. It’s happened and is in the past, like it or not. It’s really about time we put this behind us.
There are only facts now, and in my opinion, these facts are what we have to address.
Those facts are
An increasing number of live aboard boats.
An increasing number of cc’ersCommunities developing in certain areas with little movement
Continuous complaints by some on forums and websites of non-compliant continuous cruisers
The list could go on, but the four listed above seem to be the most concerning.
I think at this stage, I need to point out that there are not “hundreds” of boats seeking to take up the roving permit. The permit at the moment is being considered as a 12 month trial in some areas.
If successful, it COULD be rolled out elsewhere, but again, only as an option.
Another myth seems to be “it will allow CRT to define place and area”, this is rubbish. The fact is CRT has been working on defining place and area through development of a mapping system for some time (why not join in and insist we mutually help build it). This is something that will obviously come to light at some stage, and of course will create more debate and argument, and should not be associated with roving permits at this moment in time.
The arguments for or against could go on forever, some of us would prefer to find a solution. At the moment, a roving permit will entitle you to stop for 14 days at designated areas within roughly a five mile stretch of a local canal. A permit holder will not be entitled to stop overnight on visitor moorings ONLY WITHIN THEIR PERMIT AREA unless they have permission from CRT.
The cost has not yet been finalised, but is in the region of £50 per metre per year.
Strict guidelines will be attached to the agreement along with efficient enforcement.
We also had discussions with CRT about “how far is far enough” for cc’ers. This again was aligned to the areas suggested for the roving permits. We developed a map that was acceptable to ccers in these areas, and CRT was happy to endorse this input and consequently put it to paper. (I will emphasise at this point, I think a tailored solution would be needed for other areas).
Everything we have done with CRT in recent months has been inclusive of all boat owners within the chosen areas. We have absolutely no chance, of pleasing everyone, but we have managed to get a majority who have been willing to look at options and a solution. The process is very much on-going, and is far from ready to roll out.
Having now had almost six months of working closely with CRT, I am convinced that they will bring about change, some good, and some bad. My personal belief is that boat owners need to come together and have influence on what the future holds. Steer CRT towards a sensible, workable and realistic future.
It’s up to us to map out a direction for our chosen lifestyle. Please realise that change is around the corner. I don't like the idea of change either, but its going to happen.
Regards. Steve jay