CAROLINE Lucas has urged council bosses to abandon plans for tough restrictions on the activities of boaters along Oxford’s waterways.

In a visit to the city yesterday, the joint leader of the Green Party said the proposed public spaces protection order (PSPO) was being “misused”.

Labour-run Oxford City Council could use the order to force boaters to relocate every 48 or 72 hours to avoid fines of up to £1,000.

It would also ban people from obstructing paths, putting up structures, failing to control dogs and creating a “nuisance” with smoke.

It would cover the River Thames, the Cherwell and Oxford Canal, but boaters warn it could criminalise many normal activities such as lighting wood stoves.

Ms Lucas said yesterday: “This is a challenge to people who have lived a traditional way of life for many years.

“I find it hard to understand why there needs to be this approach of moving people on.”

She added: “What is happening in Oxford risks being the precedent that could be used in other towns and cities.”

The city council has said it is set to consult on a formal draft of the order but has not yet said when.