Expressions of dissatisfaction have featured heavily this month. The change of government brought about by the General Election may be the most momentous statement of this. A new government means new MPs to write to. Every boater with an MP whose constituency includes any of the UK’s inland waterways needs to make their concerns known. If boaters don’t bother, when the condition of navigations are so crucial to them, why should anyone else?
For the navigation authorities the results of two boater surveys should surely also have hit home. The recent IWA survey asked boaters for their views on the state of the inland waterways network and how it impacted on their cruising in 2023. Their findings below echoed this year’s poor CRT Boater Satisfaction survey results. The quoted downturn in the enjoyment to be had from cruising is surely a concerning one with its possible impact on future boat ownership.

Findings from the IWA survey:
The main findings, none of which are a surprise, are as follows from the IWA:
Many locks are in poor condition, with leakage, unbalanced gates, broken mechanisms, and inoperative paddles. Swing bridges, lift bridges, and lock gates frequently malfunction, causing delays and disruptions to travel plans.
Numerous closures, whether planned or unplanned, force boaters to alter their routes, sometimes requiring long detours.
Vegetation along towpaths and lock sides often becomes overgrown, obstructing visibility, reducing canal width, and making mooring difficult or hazardous Low water levels, silt build-up, and shallows pose challenges, causing boats to ground and impeding navigation.
Sanitary stations, waste disposal points, and pump-out facilities are frequently out of order or inaccessible, posing challenges for boater’s basic needs.

From CRT’s survey:
57% don’t believe the Trust listens to boaters (up from 48% 2023).
59% don’t believe the Trust prioritises spend effectively (up from
52% 2023).
40% do not trust the Trust to look after the canal network (up from
33% 2023).

CRT’s CEO Richard Parry’s
response:
“Both this IWA survey, and our own annual survey of boater satisfaction, confirm the importance of a focus on the basic upkeep and maintenance that directly impacts on boaters. So, whilst we’re seeing record statutory spend on reservoirs, vital for navigation and accounting for a significant proportion of our major works expenditure, we must ensure that all aspects of the direct boating experience continue to be prioritised.”

Change both in government and on the waterways has been a long time coming. Boaters can support and demand the improvements that are so necessary by continuing to hold those in authority to account.

Write to your MP, write to CRT, keep up the pressure!