PLA has announced that a proposed new operating regime for Richmond Lock (the half-tide lock on the Thames).
As background, for about four hours around high tide, the lower river is higher than the level retained by Richmond weir. When it reaches that level, the weir is opened. The pound above then rises with the rest of the river until high tide, and then falls again until it reaches its retained level, at which time the weir is closed. Thus the pound is semi-tidal. While the weir is open, it is possible to navigate through it. When it is closed (i.e when the river downstream is lower than the Richmond pound), you can use Richmond Lock to bypass the weir. For a long time there was a charge (at one point £5) to use the lock, but I think it is free now. It is currently available for use at all times that the weir is closed, night and day, all year round. PLA proposes to switch to staffing the lock only between 7:00 and 19:00. It will still be free to use in that period. If you want to use it outside those hours, you will have to book and pay £35. You will still be able to go through the weir (free) at night around high tide. PLA says the traffic through the lock between 19:00 and 7:00 is very light. In the summer, two boats a night; in the winter, one boat every two weeks. ********** OK, so what do you think? Yes, you guessed it, it seems reasonable to me. Hardly anyone inconvenienced, and they can avoid that by paying or waiting for high tide. Considerable savings to PLA. Adrian (also posted on URW) Adrian Stott 07956-299966
