Martin Nicholas formulated on Monday :
It was soon updated
Update: Monday 11 May
Last night the government announced the first steps in lifting
restrictions on outdoor activities and is now allowing people to drive
to spend time outdoors with members of the same household. Based on
this decision, from Wednesday 13 May we are lifting restrictions on
boat owners visiting their boats.
At this stage general navigation still isn’t permitted and boats should
only be used for minimal travel, for example for essential services or
repairs. Where visiting, people should expect to return home the same
day. We will be reviewing when we can restore navigation in light of
the new government advice. In the meantime, mooring exemptions are
extended by a further two weeks until Saturday 23 May.
Following government advice, angling and canoeing, kayaking and paddle
boarding for exercise, can resume from Wednesday 13 May, but this must
be on your own or with members of your household, and shouldn’t be for
long distances as navigation is still restricted. In all instances,
social distancing must be maintained at all times, keeping your
distance from both other people and moored boats.
Towpaths have remained open throughout the pandemic, with people
required to observe social distancing rules and taking extra care on
narrow sections. As more people return to work and are encouraged to
avoid public transport, we could see an increase in the use of
towpaths. Please keep moving, don’t congregate and stand aside to allow
others to pass, using the full width of the towpath. Once again, keep
your distance from other people and moored boats.
If you are a cyclist, please be aware of our towpath code. Remember
that pedestrians have priority, so always take it steady and be ready
to slow down to give way to pedestrians. Consider using an alternative
route away from the towpath for your exercise, especially as traffic on
most roads is much reduced.
Overall, our plea to everyone thinking of visiting our canals and river
navigations is to be mindful of others and act always with
consideration and respect.
For clarity, this does not apply on our Welsh canals where different
rules apply -
https://gov.wales/first-minister-wales-message-people-wales. The Welsh
Government is still applying the ‘stay at home, stay local’
regulations. We strongly advise that you regularly check its website
for updated information and certainly before planning to visit your
boat.
Post by Martin Nicholas"Coronavirus & boating update, 11 May 2020
Hello Boater!,
With the Government announcing a first step in lifting restrictions on
outdoor activities, and allowing people to drive to spend time outdoors
with members of the same household, from Wednesday, the Trust is
lifting any remaining restrictions on boat owners visiting their boats
though the Trust advises against travelling long distances unless it is
essential to do so. At this stage we continue to advise that boats
should only be used for minimal travel. Angling and watersports
(canoeing, Kayaking and SUP), for exercise, can also resume on
Wednesday and we are reviewing when we can restore navigation in light
of the new government advice. In the meantime, mooring exemptions are
extended by a further two weeks until 23 May. As you may have seen
before the weekend, we’ve created a survey to help us understand what
your plans are for boating after the lockdown. Thanks to the 4,000 or
so who’ve taken part but if you haven’t yet there’s still time. You’ll
find the survey here – it’ll only take a couple of minutes to complete.
As ever, we’ll be constantly reviewing, and updating, our FAQs as more
detail comes from government so do please regularly check back. Best
wishes, stay safe, Damian Kemp, Boating communications manager, Canal &
River Trust"