River speed limits

[Wild-Woman]

Anyone know the speed limits on rivers and canals? We were out this morning walking a quiet stretch of the Medway when we saw at least 4 boats going at speeds that I would say could cause bank damage. One was tearing along like a speed boat.
The wake behind the boats hit the banks hard. This can't be right. Is there anyone that they could be reported to while walking alongside rivers-who is in authority at these places?

[agrumpycow]

Having gone on holiday on both canal narrowboats and river cruisers I should know the speed limit, but I can't actually remember the figure. However, we have always been told that any kind of speed that could damage the bank is too fast.

[Thizle]

We used to live on a narrow boat, so we know the speed limit on english canals is 4 mph, but more important is don't make a wash that will damage a bank, I can only talk for certain about the river Trent where the speed limit is 8mph downstream and 6mph upstream. things may have altered on the rivers as we have been landlubbers for the past 12 years.... Jon

[eeyore]

i might be wrong but i think it is only 4mph when passing moored craft - not sure what it is at ther times - however a boat that is being driven in an inconsiderate , reckless, or dangerous fashion should be reported (to BW on most canals and EA on rivers) regardless of its speed - try to get a licence number tho as names are not readily traceable.

a good way to get the report into the system is to speak to a lock keeper - particularly if you can get to his lock before the hooray drivintg the boat

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i might be wrong but i think it is only 4mph when passing moored craft - not sure what it is at ther times - however a boat that is being driven in an inconsiderate , reckless, or dangerous fashion should be reported (to BW on most canals and EA on rivers) regardless of its speed - try to get a licence number tho as names are not readily traceable.

a good way to get the report into the system is to speak to a lock keeper - particularly if you can get to his lock before the hooray drivintg the boat

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.

[ron1863]

Many years ago I was on holiday on the Norfolk Broads and hired a boat for the day. I had gone about a hundred yards and was stopped by the river police who informed me that I was speeding and that the speed limit was 4mph - not for my safety but to prevent erosion of the banks due to the wake produced when speeding.
I found it difficult as the boat I had hired didn't have a speedometer and I had to judge it by travelling at the same speed as others, when there were others about.

[Duke of York]

I've been on a few canals and there is always a speed limit, although I thought it may have been 5mph but it could have been 4

But if you are hiring a barge, the boatyard usually go through the rules before they let you leave and you are told that not to cause a wake to hit the bank is more important than the speed limit.

Obviously these lot are the water equivalent of boy racers

DoY

[ChasCreek]

The speed limit is 4mph generally on canals and canal etiquette normally is about half that when passing other narrow boats.

I haven't boated on rivers but rivers seem to be between 3 and 6mph from some bylaw information I just looked up for some local waterway authorities on the web.

[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.

[muddy]

The river Medway has a speed limit of 5 knots, (5.7 MPH ..just above general walking speed on a flat surface). This is along the entire length of the medway. As an angler I often get swamped by boats going too fast along the river.
If boats are called out to for speeding you just get abuse from the crews, if reported to the enviroment agency they say they cant do anything without proof, apart from carrying a radar gun and a camera I dont see how this can be prooved. I have fished the medway for many years and never seen a speed trap or enforcement of speed limits. (as you do on canals). In fact I dont even think there are any signs stating the speed limit.
Many canoeists and rowers use the lower stretch of the medway, mostly youngsters who I have seen having to scatter and often get swamped as a boat powers its way through them.
Maybe if more people reported speeding boats to the agency they may get something done.