Re: Commercial waterways

On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 11:31:54 +0100, Martin Ludgate
<editor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>><simon@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>>>1. What is the definition of a commercial waterway?
>>>2. Which UK waterways are classed as "commercial"?

As defined/listed in the 1968 Transport Act for BW waterways. However,
there are others (Thames, various estuaries, various Harbours, etc)

>>>3. Are there any regulations/legislation governing the operation of
>>>commercial waterways? If so, where can I find the definitive information
>>>source?

Each navigation authority has its own.
>>>

>The trouble is that even in 1968 the term 'commercial' didn't
>entirely coincide with those waterways which were still in regular
>use for carrying freight - for example there was still some carrying
>on various 'cruising' waterways (eg narrow boats between the
>midlands and the London area; short boats on the Leeds &
>Liverpool), and there may well have been lengths defined as
>commercial in anticipation of further use, which were actually
>carrying little or no freight at the time: for example possibly the top
>of the Lee.
>
>37 years later the list is of fairly limited relevance. For example the
>Weaver Navigation hasn't carried significant regular commercial
>freight for years, and neither has the upper part of Severn. On the
>other hand, there are various projects to get regular freight traffic
>going on some of what are actually defined as cruising waterways
>(for example for local environmental reasons such as keeping
>goods vehicles off urban streets or country lanes), and one or two
>that have actual started - although whether you'd class them as
>'transport options for the UK' is another question.

True. There are minimum channel dimensions specified in the 1968 Act,
but BW no longer follows them. Especially on the Lee (which used to
be about 2 m deep)!. BW has obtained an interpretation that it
doesn't have to. Instead, it appears willing to rush out and dredge
if a traffic appears, e.g. to the new wharf at Old Oak Lane which has
produced a flurry of dredging along the Paddington Arm.

Adrian

Adrian Stott
adrian@xxxxxxxxxx
07956-299966
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Radio4
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  • Re: Radio4
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