The Department for Transport has published a Call for Evidence to explore emissions from all engines on vessels operating domestically within the UK, including inland waterways.

The Government’s Clean Air Strategy sets out the need to reduce emissions from all sources to improve air quality, including emissions from vessels. As part of this vitally important area of work, the DfT is seeking to collect a body of evidence that will allow Government to understand more clearly the extent of emissions from vessels that do not currently fall within the scope of environmental regulations; and establish if it can do more to address emission issues.

The RYA has been involved, along with other stakeholders, in working with the DfT official managing the Call for Evidence on Domestic Shipping Air Pollution.

The Department would especially like to hear from:

  • Vessel owners
  • Vessel operators
  • Ports
  • Marinas
  • Boatyards and boat storage companies
  • Interested bodies such as harbour and navigation authorities

As well as submitting its own response, the RYA is encouraging its 112,000 members to respond to the Call for Evidence, as an important opportunity to influence future policy development by helping Government to gather the specialist knowledge and information held within the recreational boating sector.

How to respond

The consultation closes at 11:45pm on 11 January 2020.  Respondents are required to complete a response form and either:

Email your response to: domesticshipping@dft.gov.uk

Write to:

Domestic Shipping – Call for Evidence
Maritime Environment and Financial Incentives
Zone 2/31
Department for Transport
Great Minster House
SW1P 4DR

In setting a six-month window for this call for evidence the Department has sought to recognise that the summer season is particularly busy for many small craft operators who form a key group of respondents.

A summary of responses, will be published within three months of the close of the Call for Evidence. Paper copies will be available on request. The Call for Evidence is being conducted in line with the Government’s key consultation principles.

 

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