The River Thames. Photo: Shutterstock The UK Environment Agency has updated its navigation guidelines on the River Thames, following a series of infrastructure works, incidents, malfunctions and dry conditions affecting vessel traffic along the river. The prolonged dry spell in the UK is also causing exceptional damage to rail infrastructure.
The latest update includes new restrictions that will go into effect in the coming days, along with a number of hazards along the river that are still defined as active.
One of the key developments is the introduction of dry conditions restrictions.
From Monday, August 24, restrictions will be imposed at Sunbury and Molesey Locks, and later at Teddington Lock. Dry conditions have been in place since July between St Johns Lock and Osney Lock, as well as between Goring Lock and Culham Lock and between Penton Hook Lock and Shepperton Lock.
The authority is also warning of a bloom of blue-green algae in the section between Sunbury Lock and Teddington Lock. According to the notice, some of the algae can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Contact with the water can cause a skin rash, and swallowing the water can cause illness.
At the same time, work and disruptions are continuing at several points along the Thames. Among other things, vessels are being asked to drive with caution in the Canal Bridge area at Radcot, after a vehicle hit the bridge and there was a risk of parts falling. There is a water hazard in the Botley Road Bridge area in Oxford, and the authority is warning to travel in the area with great caution.
A sunken boat and a fallen tree blocking the shipping lane have also been reported in the Caversham area. There is another tree blockage in the Shiplake area, marked by navigation buoys.
At Cookham Lock, from 22 August, the area will be closed outside Cookham Lock staff hours, following a fault with the gate systems.
Various events are also expected to affect sailing. On August 23, a rowing competition will take place in the Hambleden area, and during the event, vessels not participating in the competition will be asked to move to a specific side of the sailing lane.
Additional restrictions are expected in September in the Teddington, Sunbury, Hambleden and Meldrum areas, due to rowing competitions, sporting events and infrastructure work, among other things.
The recommendation for river users is to check the latest boating conditions before setting off and to follow local guidelines.