Canal & River Trust suspends 14-day movement rule in England and Wales as drought worsens
Ripon Canal Basin. Image courtesy of Inland Waterways Association collection – John Lower – for illustrative purposes only The Canal & River Trust has temporarily suspended its requirement for boats without a home mooring to move every 14 days as drought conditions put increasing pressure on waterways across England and Wales. The move is intended to reduce unnecessary lock use and conserve water, rather than discourage boating. As Matthew Symonds, head of boating & customer service at Canal & River Trust, says: “We’re not asking people to stop boating.”
The temporary measure takes effect immediately and will remain in place until 31 August 2026, although the trust says it will keep the position under review if drought conditions continue.
The suspension applies only to the requirement for boats without a home mooring to move every 14 days. Existing time limits on short-stay visitor moorings and moorings at facilities remain unchanged.
Reducing unnecessary lock movements
The aim is to reduce non-essential journeys and, in turn, unnecessary lock operations that consume large amounts of water through several measures.
Symonds says: “Temporarily suspending the requirement for boats without a home mooring to move every 14 days is one of those measures. The intention is to reduce non-essential journeys, helping to limit unnecessary lock use and conserve water while these exceptional conditions continue.”
He adds that boaters are still encouraged to cruise where waterways remain open.
“Where routes remain open and water resources allow, we want people to continue enjoying canals and rivers but to do so in a way that reduces water use as much as possible, for example sharing locks, waiting for oncoming boats and closing paddles. This temporary change simply gives boaters greater flexibility while helping to reduce pressure on the network.”
Visitor mooring limits remain
The trust is stressing that the temporary change does not allow boats to remain longer than permitted on visitor moorings or at facilities.
“The suspension only applies to the 14-day movement requirement and does not affect short-stay moorings, which remain important for ensuring fair access to popular locations and facilities,” Symonds continues. “We ask all boaters to continue respecting these time limits and be considerate of fellow boaters, towpath users and local communities.”
Trust rangers will monitor short-stay and facilities moorings to ensure they remain available for all users.
Drought response continues
The announcement follows drought declarations covering half of England and the whole of Wales after weeks of exceptionally dry weather.
The Canal & River Trust says it has activated its highest level of operational response. It’s encouraging boaters to report unusually low water levels so teams can investigate and, where possible, refill low pounds.
Further information about drought management is available online, including guidance for boaters without a home mooring whose cruising plans have been affected.
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