River Cam users breaching licence conditions could face legal enforcement

A number of river users continue to breach licence conditions, according to Cambridge City Council

Cambridge City Council is considering potential enforcement action over river users breaching licence conditions. In February, the city council confirmed there were nine boats believed to be mooring without permission on the River Cam.

Two boats were believed to be in breach of licence conditions at that time. As of late July, the council confirmed that the number of boats thought to be mooring without permission, or potentially in breach of licence conditions, remains the same.

An email from the chief executive of the council, seen by CambridgeshireLive earlier this year, said the council was aware of ‘some’ boats mooring without permission or in breach of licence conditions. A council spokesperson later confirmed the exact figures.

The waiting list for permanent residential moorings in central Cambridge has been closed since 2022. It had around 25 applicants in February, and is now expected to reopen in early August. The council previously stated the waiting list for permanent residential moorings was expected to reopen in the spring.

Since February, officers have continued to monitor the situation through regular inspections and river patrols, the council claimed. Potential enforcement action is being considered for those who breach licencing conditions.

However, before any further action is taken, Cambridge City Council needs to ensure the enforcement is supported by the “appropriate evidence and legal process”.

A statement by Cambridge City Council said in full: “The number of boats thought to be mooring without permission, or potentially in breach of licence conditions, remains unchanged from those provided in February. The waiting list for moorings is due to reopen in early August 2026 as it was decided to align reopening with the annual renewal process for applicants already on the list.

“Since February, officers have continued to monitor the situation through regular inspections and river patrols, and discussions have continued with Legal and Enforcement colleagues regarding potential enforcement action.

“A further meeting with Legal and Enforcement is being scheduled to review the current position and agree next steps. Before any further action is taken the council needs to ensure any enforcement action is supported by the appropriate evidence and legal process.”