THE Environment Agency (AE) has scrapped controversial plans that would put Thames boaters lives at risk.
At a Thames Navigation Users Forum, Environment Agency Waterways Manager, Andrew Graham, advised that proposals to save money by removing portable lock ladders and fire extinguishers are to be abandoned.
Greater risk
In October 2015, narrowboatworld reported that National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) chairman, Dr Mike Rodd, had written to then EA chairman, Sir Philip Dilley, outlining two areas of policy change which, if implemented, would place Thames boaters at greater risk of injury or death (Greater risk for Thames lock users) narrowboatworld also provided a link to his letter.
At the Thames Navigation Users Forum, Andrew Graham confirmed that instead of scrapping portable ladders they would be replaced with lightweight ones and that minimal change would take place in fire extinguisher usage.
As NABO recommended
This is exactly as NABO had recommended in its letter.
Many Thames lock users have petrol engines. Also the number of boats is liable to be higher than elsewhere on inland waterways. The presence of movable ladders and fire fighting equipment allows boaters to escape the inherent greater fire risk before attendance of emergency services.