Boatowners staying on short-term moorings in London will be sent a text reminder once their 14 days are up
The Canal & River Trust (CRT) has introduced a new text message reminder service for London waterways users encouraging them to move on once their mooring limit has expired.
Overcrowding on London’s canals and waterways has intensified over the past year, with a 14% rise in boat numbers and 85% more continuous cruisers in East London alone.
The CRT is responding by sending text messages to those on 14-day towpath moorings at their end of their fortnight, which they describe as “a gentle reminder that it’s time to move on”.
The new system has been trialled on the Kennet & Avon Canal and will be backed up by more enforcement staff to ensure that towpath moorings do not become congested.
A statement from the CRT added: “Enforcement is vital, especially in busy locations that are popular with boaters who may be having trouble getting to grips with the movement rules.
“The enforcement team applies the rules so everyone is treated fairly, and also offers advice and guidance to boaters who run into difficulties.”
In addition to the enforcement measures, the CRT has announced that new mooring rings are being installed in Camden and Haggerston.
Other projects include a new water point at the visitor moorings in Paddington Basin and new mooring facilities in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
