Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, will today join Surfers Against Sewage to highlight concerns that Britain's coastline remains at risk from large scale shipping pollution incidents.
One year after the RMS Mulheim crashed at Lands End, causing a £2 million clean-up operation, Surfers Against Sewage are seeking legal action against the Mulheim's owners.
The Liberal Democrats can reveal official Government figures that show only 1 in 500 pollution incidents caused by ships result in prosecution. In the 7 years between 1995 and 2002 only 10 successful prosecutions were made, with an average fine of £20,000.
Commenting, Norman Baker said:
"The RMS Mulheim crash released hundreds of tonnes of plastic into the waters off the Cornwall coast. Despite a £2 million clean up, this waste is still being washed up on the region's beaches.
"Incidents where ships lose cargo or vessels are involved in accidents result in harmful waste and chemicals being released into our waters. This pollution seriously endangers aquatic life, as well as bathers and surfers.
"The Government's record of only 1 in 500 incidents resulting in prosecution is appalling and offers no deterrent to the polluters. And an average £20,000 fine for polluting is a drop in the ocean compared with the millions of pounds it costs to clear the up the coast... "The Government must start taking this issue seriously and make sure the polluters pay for their damage."
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