A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) restricting mooring to a maximum of 24 hours with no return within 72 hours is in place at Ditton Reach, Albany Reach (Thames Ditton), Cigarette Island (East Molesey), Cowey Sale (Walton-onThames), Hurst Park (West Molesey) and Surrey County Council’s land adjacent to Hampton Court bridge (Parrs mooring) (East Molesey).
Unauthorised Mooring Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)
Restrictions
Restricts moorings to a maximum of 24 hours in the ordinary course of navigation with no return within 72 hours.
The PSPO applies from midnight on 17 June 2025 until midnight on 17 June 2028
Restricted areas:
Elmbridge owned land at:
- Ditton Reach (Thames Ditton)
- Albany Reach (Thames Ditton)
- Cigarette Island (East Molesey)
- Cowey Sale (Walton-on-Thames)
- Hurst Park (West Molesey)
Surrey County Council's land:
- Land adjacent to Hampton Court bridge (Parrs mooring), East Molesey
Site location maps for Unauthorised Mooring PSPO
Why the PSPO was introduced
Our riverside sites are valuable to our residents and popular with a wide range of users and visitors.
A large number of boats are moored without permission on Elmbridge owned land at Albany Reach, Cigarette Island, Hampton Court Landings, Cowey Sale and Hurst Park, and are not registered with the Environment Agency.
The unauthorised mooring of vessels along the riverside has resulted in reports of littering, noise, increased pollution in the river due to the lack of waste facilities, restricted access to the riverbank, anti-social behaviour including intimidation, verbal abuse, aggressive, and challenging behaviour.
The residents and visitors have reported not feeling safe or not being able to enjoy spending time by the river. There are concerns that there is an impact of the wildlife, deterioration of habitant and riverbank.
Following a 3 phase consultation with residents in 2023, 2024 and 2025, a PSPO is now in place.
Frequently asked questions
Get your questions answered about the PSPO for Unauthorised Moorings