IN RESPONSE TO THE POPULARITY of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, including increased use by paddle craft as well as narrowboats, the Canal & River Trust has introduced colleagues as aqueduct safety staff to help manage traffic at busy times this summer.
The aqueduct safety staff, with their visible onsite presence, add to existing measures, including CCTV and the introduction of vessel and operator identification requirements for commercial operators using the site.
Take an active roll
During busier times, they will take an active role in helping manage boat traffic and reducing congestion around the basin and aqueduct approaches.
Spanning 38 metres above the Dee, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the most spectacular and recognisable waterway structures in Britain, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The site is shared by a wide range of users including private boaters, hire boaters, trip boats, canoe and paddle sports groups, walkers and sightseers. As visitor numbers and activity continue to grow, the measures being introduced will help ensure the aqueduct and surrounding basin remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Matthew Symonds, national boating manager at Canal & River Trust, told:
Hugely popular destination
“Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the jewels of the canal network and a hugely popular destination for boaters and visitors alike. As activity at the site continues to grow, we’re continually reviewing how we can best support safe navigation and ensure everyone can enjoy their visit.
“We’re trialling the aqueduct safety staff who, with their visible presence on site, will help manage boat movements during busy periods, reduce congestion and support a positive experience for all waterway users.
“Our wider safety review has drawn on feedback from across the boating community, including the detailed report submitted by the National Association of Boat Owners, and we are grateful for that constructive contribution.”
The Trust will monitor the effectiveness of the aqueduct safety staff and use the findings to help inform longer-term management arrangements at the site.
Andy Williams, Vice-Chair of the National Association of Boat Owners, added:
Appreciated constructive dialogue
“NABO welcomes the positive way Canal & River Trust has engaged with the concerns we and others have raised about navigation and safety at Pontcysyllte. We have appreciated the constructive dialogue that has followed and are pleased to see practical measures now being introduced. This demonstrates the value of working collaboratively to address the challenges of increasing use of this unique waterway, helping to improve safety and the experience of everyone who navigates the aqueduct.”
The Trust is thanking local businesses, commercial operators, boaters and partner organisations for their continued cooperation as work to improve safety and visitor management at Pontcysyllte continues, and the National Association of Boat Owners for its independent report on safety at the site and constructive dialogue on options to manage the busier times.