You couldn't make it up ......

boatone

boatone

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 Jul 2001
Messages
12,845
Location
Just a few cables from Boulters Lock
www.tmba.org.uk
Another 30% or more to be cut from Environment departments -
According to BBC reports:
Four government departments have provisionally agreed to cut their spending by an average of 30% over the next four years, Chancellor George Osborne is to announce later.
The transport, local government and environment departments, plus the Treasury, have all agreed deals ahead of the spending review on 25 November
Click to expand...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34763261

But ( if any of you remember a Peter Sellers classic) there may still be honey for tea ...
In other news:
Environment Secretary collects first ‘Whitehall Honey’ during National Honey Week
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/...st-whitehall-honey-during-national-honey-week
 
Last edited:
On stories like these they're generally quite accurate. Possibly because they copied it from Private Eye, padded it out a bit, foamed at the mouth and then added the words 'Mail exclusive'
 
This was on R4 this morning.
The chap they had commenting on this gave a more balanced view than the headlines suggest.
From what he said it is the day to day running of the departments that are facing the most serious cuts.
As much of the total funding of the EA was capital spending ie. flood defences etc which is not subject to the cuts, overall percentage is not quite so dramatic.
Still seems that some things which are now offered will have to go
Essentially,what could we do without ?
 
I could see an oyster card type system at all the locks which will be fully automated with perhaps a couple of emergency stop buttons. Not that I support it, but if they could manage it that's what they would try. I suppose it would cost too much to implement, which is why, for now, its not going to happen.
 
JorgeinLondon said:
I could see an oyster card type system at all the locks which will be fully automated with perhaps a couple of emergency stop buttons. Not that I support it, but if they could manage it that's what they would try. I suppose it would cost too much to implement, which is why, for now, its not going to happen.
Click to expand...

Suggested that a while ago,shot down in flames.:) all a bit too 21st Century and modern for this lot.:)
Remember the howls of anguish when they dared to change the design of the river conditions signs at the locks.:)
 
Last edited:
oldgit said:
Suggested that a while ago,shot down in flames.:) all a bit too 21st Century and modern for this lot.:)
Click to expand...
Setting aside the financial investment required it would be a logistical nightmare. Imagine half a dozen boats queuing to get through a lock - how would you all swipe cards in a way that would prioritise passage through? What would happen if someone jumped the queue and entered the lock while the gates were open for a legit boat? How would you pack a lock with several boats ? Not like Picallily Circus with nice simple turnstiles one bod at a time innit ???
 
oldgit said:
This was on R4 this morning.
The chap they had commenting on this gave a more balanced view than the headlines suggest.
From what he said it is the day to day running of the departments that are facing the most serious cuts.
As much of the total funding of the EA was capital spending ie. flood defences etc which is not subject to the cuts, overall percentage is not quite so dramatic.
Still seems that some things which are now offered will have to go
Essentially,what could we do without ?
Click to expand...
A signficant slab of public purse money - several million - is going to day to day revenue costs, especially payroll which is the biggest part. Flood control is a separate pot to navigation so no guarantees one bit would be treated different to another.
What could we do without ? Hate to say it but there is little doubt that nice gents in uniforms will become an even more endangered species.
 
boatone said:
Setting aside the financial investment required it would be a logistical nightmare. Imagine half a dozen boats queuing to get through a lock - how would you all swipe cards in a way that would prioritise passage through? What would happen if someone jumped the queue and entered the lock while the gates were open for a legit boat? How would you pack a lock with several boats ? Not like Picallily Circus with nice simple turnstiles one bod at a time innit ???
Click to expand...

The EA licence remains exactly as is.
You fill in the form,register and are issued with your licence paperwork/sticker as before ,but wait,before you throw away that envelope,there is a smart card tucked inside.This gains you access to the lock and just as importantly out again.
Prioritise a lock !.
I obviously believe that Thames boaters are just as capable as the other 99% of freshwater lock users to organise themselves into and out of a lock in just the same way that we organise ourselves on other fully automated systems such as The DLR and other light transit systems.If 500 people can get themselves on/off a train without a problem how difficult can it be to get 10 boats into lock ?
As for que jumping its no different from the M25 or the que to collect your pension,,you mutter darkly and glare at them :):):)
There will of course be nice camera connected to screen somewhere in EA HQ,and a contact button to provide help before anybody bursts into tears.
 
Last edited:
boatone said:
Setting aside the financial investment required it would be a logistical nightmare. Imagine half a dozen boats queuing to get through a lock - how would you all swipe cards in a way that would prioritise passage through? What would happen if someone jumped the queue and entered the lock while the gates were open for a legit boat? How would you pack a lock with several boats ? Not like Picallily Circus with nice simple turnstiles one bod at a time innit ???
Click to expand...

No biggie. RF transponders on boats, as for some toll roads. Every time you go through your account is debited. Anyone in the lock without a transponder; lock locked.
 
boatone said:
Sounds good to me ..... Boats waiting each end to get through ..... What happens next ? 
Click to expand...

An awkward moment fervently explaining to the roving lock patrol as to why you will be perfectly happy to use your credit card to get them to release your boat currently chained to lock moorings by paying the full licence fee back dated to the start of the season.
Plus perhaps a quick glance at your BSC and insurance while we are at it sir.?
 
Last edited:
Think the results of the "consultation" are to be released at end of month, all this speculation should be bought to an abrupt end and river users can get on with dealing with the outcome.
Prevarication appears to be this countries forte,how can it take 50 years to decide on the location of an airport/tunnel/rail route or the next little gem...........;the site of the next lower Thames crossing....here we go again. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top