Strict new health and safety regulations have been imposed on Cambridge punt operators by the Conservators of the River Cam. The rules require airline-style safety demonstrations before departure, mandatory lifejackets, and a ban on amplified music and singing. Operators must also appoint safety officers and ensure chauffeurs undergo emergency training.
Punt firms risk being banned from the river if they fail to comply. The Conservators' river manager, Jed Ramsay, said the revised code of conduct aims to improve safety for everyone. Convicted chauffeurs could face a six-month ban following dangerous incidents.
However, some operators argue that the regulations unfairly target them while self-hire punts face looser rules. Sam Matthews of the Traditional Punting Company noted that most accidents involve amateurs, not licensed chauffeurs. He described the new rules as common sense but doubted they would prevent collisions.
Tourists expressed mixed reactions. American visitor Jordan Chalmers joked about British safety checks, while Kerry Jones from Bath, after witnessing a collision, suggested stricter rules might be needed. The river remains a popular attraction despite occasional chaos.
