PSPO enforcement at Cigarette Island progresses with fixed penalty notices and boat removals

Public Spaces Protection Order update – 2 July

The PSPO operation against unauthorised moorings which started at Cigarette Island on Wednesday 25 June is continuing this week. The enforcement and removal of the sunken boats has been successful so far at this location:

• There were 17 boats moored along the river at Cigarette Island last week, all of which were served PSPO warning notices and waste enforcement notices, now only 6 remain.
• Two Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) have been issued. Of the six remaining vessels, three are expected to move this week. If any remain at the weekend, they will all be issued with a FPN.
• The Environment Agency will serve wreck and abandoned notices on the remaining three vessels, and if they are not moved, they will be towed away.
• A further six boats that are sunk or partially submerged will be salvaged over the next two weeks.

We continue to address the ongoing issue of unauthorised moorings on our land and are working closely with the Environment Agency to find a long-term solution.

The following photos taken from Hampton Court Bridge show that boats have moved from Cigarette Island.

Councillor Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy, said, “The progress made at Cigarette Island demonstrates our commitment to tackling unauthorised moorings and protecting our land. We’re working closely with the Environment Agency to ensure effective enforcement, and I’m pleased to see tangible results from this operation. We remain determined to maintain safe, clean, and accessible riverbanks for everyone in the community”.

We will keep you informed about all-going developments.

Joint operation targets unauthorised moorings on the River Thames - 25 June 2025

When we said we would take action on unauthorised moorings, we meant it. 

On Wednesday 25 June, Elmbridge Borough Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council and Surrey Police, carried out a coordinated enforcement operation at Cigarette Island along the River Thames. This follows the implementation of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) focussing on unauthorised moorings on Elmbridge council owned land. 

During the operation, officers checked boat registrations to ensure compliance with legal requirements and served trespass notices to overstaying boats. This process will continue for a number of weeks through to court hearings as necessary. Officers also issued fly-tipping enforcement notices.  

In addition to enforcement, officers offered advice and support to boat dwellers, covering essential topics such as boat registration, oil and waste disposal, and access to homelessness services. 

The operation was followed by the beginning of the removal of sunken and abandoned boats from Elmbridge Borough Council land by a salvage company. Boat removal and waste disposal will continue in the coming days. 

Led by Elmbridge Borough Council, the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council with support from Surrey Police, this operation followed the successful river enforcement actions carried out in September and October 2024, and March 2025. 

Councillor Simon Waugh, Deputy Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council, said: 

“The disruption caused by unauthorised moorings has gone on for too long. With the PSPO now in place, we are stepping up enforcement to address overstaying boats and associated anti-social behaviour. Today’s operation and ongoing actions demonstrates our commitment to protecting our riverside and residents. We thank the Environment Agency, Surrey Council and Surrey Police for their continued support.” 

Find more information about the PSPO for unauthorised mooring.