Lock Keys

[PGD]

A while back we posted a topic about "Lock Keepers - Thames" and it was suggested that Lock Keys( access to lecky) could / should be made available to well minded folk to use out of hours. It was also suggested that a days lock induction was carried out and that hoilday boaters should be resticted for safety reasons.

Did the EA ever coment further and or was this topic furthered at any local meetings?

Wondered what had happened.

Peter

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[byron]

As far as I am aware it was never formally proposed to them. I think the Unions would be anti as the next logical step would be to have one lock keeper covering several locks as Weir only attendants as users would be able to see themselves through. They could then sell off lock houses which must be worth millions. Prices start on the Thames now for a detached brick built house 1.2 million. Anything fancy and you are talking a great deal more. The Maxwell's place is up at 3 million.

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[the_wanderer]

Have put my boat through many locks on the Thames single handed after hours, yes the windy ones and the pushy ones and never found any bother. Who needs electric? and it's good excercise. Works up a good thirst!

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[PGD]

It would be handy at night or when there are a lot of boats trying to get through. Esspecially when a lot of day boaters just sit there and expect someone else to do the lock /forums/images/icons/frown.gif it keeps the traffic flowing. Take Hurley lock this last weekend, over an hour to get through and that was manned with summer assistants.

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[byron]

S'ok for you young 'uns. What about us old folk? furthermore some of us don't need to wind locks to work up a thirst. /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

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[the_wanderer]

Young un's? Wot?

Im fifty five and still going strong.........almost!

Probably 'cos Ive spent a lot of time working locks all over the country.

Try British Waterways locks if you really want it hard!

Some people dont know when they are well off.

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[h4nym]

Being serious for a sec... what can we do do sort this out? How do we make a formal proposal to the EA?

H

<hr width=100% size=1>Life balance?

 

[trev]

I think you have a valid point, Byron. But at the same time feel that it is the logical step forward - why do we need the keeper to see us through the lock ? The inland waterways are largely unmanned, and lock operation is hardly rocket science.
Half power is left on several of the downstream locks after hours, as you already know. I had assumed this number was to be increased as funds permitted.
It would be interesting to get the EA's intention on this. I will contact them next time home (late August) unless someone else does it first (Byron? Peter?)

<hr width=100% size=1>Trev

 

[tripleace]

could it be a thing about fees.

If individuals could travel easier at night would the EA miss out on the lic fees?

How would the lock keys be returned for individuals that do not renew their Lic and do not return the lock (claiming they lost it etc)

I think the solution would be to have a credit card type swipe thing which switches on the power. Then non lic individuals could be stopped or at least slowed down.


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[byron]

Hey! You don't have to convince me I'm with you. I would support keys for qualified users. I would support even more all Locks gaining half power. I am however fully aware that inconsiderate users shouting, playing music et-al would cause grief not only to the Lockies but to residents too.

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[PGD]

Byron, re Trev's note, should we put our heads together or do you have any other ideas. Like the one about swip cards at least they would know who used the lock and when.

Understand your point about missuse, it's a real concern, maybe EA would have to look at it on an individual basis?

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[h4nym]

Byron

You see these party boats going through the locks on the lower Thames - they've all got keys, and none of them turn the music down as they use the lock... let alone the party-goers themselves!

Again - like the thought of a swipe card... only thing is, tho - how do u determine "suitably qualified"? My thought would be that you do your first two "EA Licensed" years then you can apply. At that point, you'll have been through enough locks to know what you're doing...

H

<hr width=100% size=1>Life balance?

 

[byron]

Actually they do turn the music off when in the lock cuts and in the locks. They can lose their use of a key if the fail to obey this rule. Obviously they can't keep the volume of the passengers down.

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[byron]

I brought it up casually over a beer once with John Redmond and I got the impression he wasn't too enthusiastic. Personally I'm not bothered because with me its a questionof "pull up the ladder Jack 'cos I'm on board" I do however sympathise with the idea of lock keys for all (within reason)

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[h4nym]

Fair enough! I was going on when I last used a lock with a party boat - about midnight through Teddington a couple of weeks ago... music was defo on! But then Teddington aren't so anal about radio/engines etc - esp not at that time!

H

<hr width=100% size=1>Life balance?

 

[trev]

To be honest it doesn't bother me too much either way - the number of times I'm out 'after hours' are few and far between, and I don't mind occasional manual labour.
It would be nice to have power operation all the time - it would probably extend my cruising hours - but not if it means disruption, increased costs or the eventual degrading of the lock-keeper's job.
The lock-keepers are an integral part of Thames boating - their personalities, knowledge of the river, and general demeaner all add to the pleasure.

<hr width=100% size=1>Trev

 

[Trevethan]

There is a health and safety issue here too I think. I suggested the same to Exeter to allow more access to city from the water. However was not alklowed according to official because change in water level was greater than some such figure (11 feet something I think)..

course this could be mealy mouthed council speak too.





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[trev]

Probably related to the jobsworths that stopped the lock keeper at Boveney from cutting his grass !

<hr width=100% size=1>Trev