River speed limits

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by muddy

Maybe if more people reported speeding boats to the agency they may get something done.

Looks like the Environment Agency are at least interested:

from: http://www.digitalmaidstone.co.uk/as...30_minutes.pdf

Mr Morgan informed the Committee that the EA had produced a 5year strategy for the River Medway, and local stakeholders had contributed to this. It referred to issues such as the riverbanks and the ambience of the river, and recognised the need to work with others to achieve results. A major issue for the EA was enforcingauthority on the river, especially with regards to the St Peter’s Street slipway. This was owned by the Council but operated byDragon’s Health Club. Boats using this slipway were not always issued with licences, and many of the issues around speeding andbad behaviour on the river came from the use of that slipway, particularly in the evening. The EA wanted to work with the Councilto improve this, and possibly even to close that slipway and move it to an alternative location such as Allington Lock where the EA wouldhave control of it. The EA also wanted to work with the Council on redevelopment, and suggested the use of Section 106 monies to ensure that the river environment was protected.


CM

[nightshade]

Write to everyone you can think of; your MP, the local marina,the
Town Council ,County Council, the River Board, local angling clubs,
fire them all up

[badger426]

It's 4 mph on our local canal.

[Kirric]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Trouble is this stretch has unmanned locks, DIY jobbies.
Think I'll take photos if I see it again. Pity there's not speed cameras on the rivers-oops...do I hear protest!

Think the anglers were cross too.

- speed cameras might end up causing havoc for rowers like me - they'd make regattas almost impossible!
on a more serious note it's not just bad for the bank- speeding boat are often the cuase of a wet and uncomfortable training session on the river. They either need to put up clearer speed limit signs or make it clearer who you can report it to
K

[Paul mabbott]

'... being courteous towards other users.' would surely imply not causing big waves. Furthermore "other users" must be displeased at loss of river bank even if they're not there at the time - the wildlife certainly are.

I'm appalled that there's no national speed limit on rivers ... something must be done!

Originally Posted by chkm8

I have a speed boat which is rarely used on rivers but when it is I travel at speeds well in excess of 4mph. Many rivers are used for water ski-ing and when I discussed speeds with the rivers agency who have responsibility for our rivers I was told the speed limits apply to entering and exiting town areas / launch areas / approaching lough gates etc but stretches of rivers away from towns etc there are NO national speed limits and speed boat users have the same rights regarding speed as do other river users have in relation to fishing / rowing etc. Basically it came down to obeying the speed limits in the areas mentioned above and being courteous towards other users.

John.

[Paul mabbott]

Not quite sure how speed cameras would work at this level.

Yes, indeed, anglers hate them - indeed hate most boats. When I was young I recall loading up the bombs for my father and his mates. Whenever a boat came along at more than current speed, they would bombard it with a pile of maggots wrapped up in ground bait .... Had a profound effect upon people sunbathing on the deck or taking a picnic lunch .....

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Trouble is this stretch has unmanned locks, DIY jobbies.
Think I'll take photos if I see it again. Pity there's not speed cameras on the rivers-oops...do I hear protest!

Think the anglers were cross too.