Speed limits on the tidal

Taken from the 'River Thames and boaty things site:Between Teddington and Wandsworth Bridge there is a speed limit of 8 knots through the water. However, even at 8 knots considerable wash can be created and therefore in the vicinity of smallcraft, particularly rowing boats, speed should be reduced even further.

Below Wandsworth Bridge there is no limit but speeds should be relevent to local conditions and adjusted to ensure there is no damage to persons or property from excessive wash. It is unlikely that speeds in excess of 10 knots will be appropriate until in Sea Reach. Causing damage through excessive wash is an offence with a fine up to £2500. All PLA and Police boats are equipped with Radar Guns.

From my experience last year below Wandsworth as long as you are sensible then you are left alone. if you are going past the Houses of Parliament expect to be boarded though, as they are keen to look for terrorists !

cheers

Billy
 
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as long as you are sensible then you are left alone.

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Dammit ! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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I have a 5HP and an electric but i wanted to use the 25HP and drive it like i stole it /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

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Bloody vandal! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I just want to get some practice in for when i come down to the seaside to annoy you /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
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(a) without due care and attention; or
(b) in a manner liable to injure or endanger persons, other vessels, the banks of the Thames (whether above or below mean high water level) or any structure or installation in or beside the Thames;

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Dammit dammit dammit /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif You cant have flipping fun anywhere anymore /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif


Ok anyone know of a private lake where you can go silly fast ?
 
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I just want to get some practice in for when i come down to the seaside to annoy you /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

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I'll make sure I've got the RIB that day then...90hp on the back of that! Boarders awaaaay! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
It's called a runabout not a cruiser . You can tell the differance as there is no fablon on a runabout unlike your cruiser /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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I...but i wanted to use the 25HP and drive it like i stole it /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

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That's what I figured, and why I asked. You did a beautiful job on it! I'll have to show you mine when it's finished...


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I think you'll find that, technically, BillyBloater is quite correct; the limits only apply to commercial vessels.

Non commercial users are expected to excercise restraint and "navigate their vessels at all times at a speed commensurate with local circumstances and conditions" - totally subjective that; wouldn't have a chance against a decent lawyer!
 
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In addition, we will shortly begin consulting on the introduction of a speed limit for all craft in central London. It is envisaged that this new speed limit will apply to all privately owned recreational and leisure craft and all commercial vessels.

Bloody hell better get out and have a burn up before they bugger it up for good.

blooody Winkers
 
Don't let the killjoys put you off having a quick blast on the tidal river. Providing you're sensible about your speed against what's happening with other vessels in the vicinity etc then you won't cause any problems, and noone will cause you any problems either.

The 'speed limits' below Wandsworth Bridge are for high speed PASSENGER craft. They only apply in Central London (generally taken to be above the Pool) and in the Greenwich area. Private craft are, legally, unaffected. Both the Clippers and the RIBs do considerably more than 12 kts below Tower Bridge (though ease off past the police pier in Wapping!).

The 'not above 10kts' is aimed at large vessels operating in the port areas around Tilbury, Coryton and the like. The chances of my 3 tonne boat affecting a moored 25,000 tonner are nil, unless I actually drive into it, no matter what speed I'm doing.

In simple terms, take it easy until you're past Tower Bridge, be careful around Greenwich and, apart from that, fill yer boots - but keep your eyes open.
 
Worth adding in that if you nail it through the Barrier, especially if you didn't ask first then Woollwich Radio, sorry, London VTS, will give you a serious talking to. Not guilty but watched and heard on 14, until VTS asked for the skipper's mobile no to "stop sensible skippers earwigging and laughing at you Sir."

Bear in mind that the river police rib's speed is occasioanlly described as "faster than you"
 
There are indeed Police RIBS too.

Was approaching Limehouse once and SWMBO was at the helm while I was on the bows doing fenders etc. Was doing about 5knots.
Police Targa comes tearing past at 20knots + sees me on the bows and slams on the brakes (yes I know boats don't have brakes!). Too late as I hang on for dear life and the boat is tossed about in his wash. They make sure I haven't fallen in and tear off again at high speed!

To my mind they should only be able to speed past boats with lights/sirens flashing.
 
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