Boats moored on a section of river bank in Thorpe St Andrew could be fined up to £100 if they stay beyond 24 hours.

The new rule is part of the town council's mooring management scheme for River Green and will be enforced in the coming months.

It is one of several measures being introduced for the banks of the River Yare, off Yarmouth Road, near Norwich.

The town council has approved the creation of commercial and private moorings, which will go alongside the current short stay visitor moorings.

Fines will be issued to boat owners who stay beyond 24 hours in the visitor moorings, or return within 48 hours of first being seen there.

Those who stay in the other mooring zones without being registered also risk being issued with a £100 charge notice.

The town council said River Green will be patrolled daily by council officers and CCTV is to be installed in the area.

Any fine will be reduced to £70 if paid within 14 days of issue.

Town mayor Ian Mackie said 'It is an exciting time for the town, with ambitious plans for River Green and a commercial day boat service soon to operate again.

'The town council is pleased to be supporting sustainable access to the river for residents and visitors alike. We will be managing the moorings using a tried and tested system to ensure the conservation area remains the jewel in the crown of Thorpe St Andrew.'

Town clerk Thomas Foreman added: 'The management of the moorings using contract law has resulted in a 191% increase in compliance for other councils. This is a more cost-effective solution to byelaw enforcement, which will remain an avenue for enforcement reserved for persistent offenders. We will be installing signs on the park in the coming weeks, as we finalise the mooring conditions.'