Lockdown stops navigation again

ONCE again a coronavirus lockdown closes the waterways.

The Canal & River Trust state that until Wednesday 2nd December, non-essential travel should be avoided, and overnight stays limited to work purposes only.

No overnight breaks

All navigation in England should be limited to essential use only.  Boaters who are not currently occupying their boat should not take short overnight breaks on their boat during the period.

Continuous cruisers are advised to limit their navigation, moving only a minimal amount to access essential facilities or services when necessary—or to move to a quieter mooring if they are finding the towpath too busy for them where they are moored.

The conditions regarding moving every 14 days will be suspended for the four weeks period until the 2nd December when the lockdown restrictions come to an end.

No reduction in licence fees

Though boat licence fees were waived for a period during the last coronavirus lockdown, this will not be the case this time, with the Trust explaining:

As boating is generally limited during the winter stoppage season, and given the Trust’s need to continue managing and maintaining the waterway, we do not propose to offer any further extensions to licence fees.  We’re carefully managing our finances and focussing on ensuring we can maintain all essential work until we get through this national crisis.