The squeeze on moorings 

Moorings reviews by the Canal and River Trust and London Assembly.

South East Visitor Moorings Consultation

The final report of the Canal and River Trust’s (CRT) South East Visitor Moorings Consultation has been published.

It is an interesting situation as CRT is setting out its plans for mooring management – making changes solely on the basis of anecdotal evidence.

There can be no doubt that there is a problem with availability of moorings at certain very popular spots. I am sure we have all arrived at a popular mooring and been unable to find space. But it is not a new problem.

I am not sure that changing the time restrictions is necessarily going to make it that much easier – though I would be happy to be proved wrong.

What I am sure of is that CRT has made a rod for its own back by undertaking this review without having fully defined the problem that it is trying to resolve.

‘Taken aback’ by hostility

The report mentions that CRT was ‘taken aback’ by the hostility to the proposals – I am not sure that is so surprising. At the moment we have some groups of boaters who are feeling victimised by CRT and so, rightly or wrongly, they will regard everything that CRT does with suspicion.

Making changes which can be perceived to be focussed on a particular group of boaters is always going to be contentious. Making the process of change as transparent as possible will go some way to addressing this feeling of victimisation, and transparency includes being clear to everyone why changes are being made.

Relaxation of winter restrictions

The relaxation of mooring restrictions over the winter is particularly welcome. I understand it comes as a result of discussions with boaters and will hopefully provide some relief to continuous cruisers by allowing them to moor for an extended period.

Improved monitoring

I look forward to seeing the results of the much improved monitoring of mooring sites which CRT is promising us will happen this year.

Let us remember that this is, in effect, a small trial to provide hard evidence of both the problem and the effectiveness of the remedy, and the lessons learned are likely to be rolled out nationwide. In the end, I do not think that the changes as currently proposed, and on a trial basis, are unreasonable - but I remain to be convinced about the process.

Review of moorings on London’s canals

Some of you may have seen that there could be a further cloud on the horizon with the London Assembly’s launch of a review of mooring on London’s canals.

Issues highlighted in the initial project documentation include noise from generators, air pollution from solid fuel stoves and rubbish on the towpath. Reading through the background paperwork, it would appear that this is being driven by complaints from residents alongside the towpath.

There is a real danger that those who live alongside the canal will be perceived to have more rights than those living on boats (whether permanently or temporarily).

RYA has responded

The RYA has submitted an initial response to the review and will monitor the investigation as it proceeds.

Have your say

It is possible to view the documentation and submit your comments via the London Assembly website

Tony Roome, Chair RYA Inland Navigation Panel