New Speed Limits in Central London

[CJL]

Many of you will have seen the plans and the various posts regarding plans to extend the speed limit in Central London for COMMERCIAL PASSENGER CARRYING VESSELS.

Unfortunately they are not content to stop there and are planning on extending this to leisure users. More details are in the press release below. I would like to hear from anybody who feels strongly about this and I will discuss with the PLA how to make peoples opinions know. We are a major river user and the PLA is a self financing public trust. Our opinions can count so please get in touch.

New Speed Limits in Central London
The Port of London Authority (PLA) has introduced a speed limit for all high speed passenger vessels operating in central London. Such vessels are now restricted to a maximum speed of 12 knots through the central London bridges and also in the area near Greenwich Pier.

This measure is to help ensure continued high safety standards on the River. We have made this move, after a thorough risk assessment, because of a significant and welcome increase in the number of fast passenger vessels on the Thames. In recent months vessels have started operating services on new routes and leisure operators have introduced new tourist related high speed trips. The measure does not affect the high speed commuter services outside the areas listed above, thus allowing them to maintain schedules.

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. However operators of high speed commuter services will be able to apply for an exemption to the limit, below the central London bridges, enabling them to continue to maintain schedules.

Details of our proposals will be subject to a wide consultation and will be published on the PLA website soon. Subject to this consultation, we anticipate this new speed limit will come into force during 2008.

[E Johnson]

Hi
I have started a petition to oppose this. If you havent already please sign up to the link below

www.gopetition.com/online/16885.html

Many Thanks

[Neil Harvey]

Hi Chris,

I think many of us feel strongly about this. It was discussed on here some weeks ago. JK was going to take it up with PLA to discuss how we are consulted as a group IIRC.

The press release below is amazing. The limit was introduced initially for the fast ferries. When they get a byelaw passed, if I read it correctly, the ferries will be able to get an exemption outside the central london bridges... the rest of us are screwed over... it makes my blood boil.

and as I said before, I would not so much mind a 25-30kn limit, but 12-15 is ridiculous, too difficult to stay on plane, realistically limiting you to 6/7 kn depending on boat.

[Nos4r2]

I do wonder if this isn't the stealthy start of some kind of compulsory registration so they can trace people who break limits.

[yoyo]

Thank that Jeremy Clarkson nobber...........

[BruceB]

I don't agree Clarkson is to blame.
So anything that isn't regulated out of existence already is only going to be OK as long as we keep quiet about it?
I reckon areas like this should be left to the discretion of the port authority with the rules being nothing stiffer than showing consideration for other users, then doing 50 knots weaving through other boats gets punished but the same 50 knots on a deserted river is fine. Something along the motoring equivalent of driving with due care..........

I thought the Top gear race across london was one of the better ones, the radio call to the flood barrier had me laughing out loud! At speed? there was an understatement!

[CJL]

Originally Posted by E Johnson

Hi
I have started a petition to oppose this. If you havent already please sign up to the link below

www.gopetition.com/online/16885.html

Many Thanks

Please note the petition above is for commercial boats not leisure operations.

I have a meeting with the Upper Harbour Manager and the Upper River Manager of the PLA shortly and if people drop me a line I will give them a rough idea of the strength of oposition to their proposals and investigate how to take this further.

Chris

[E Johnson]

Hi Chris,
The petition is for BOTH Commerical and Leisure Boat owners. I feel that it is very important that we ensure that the speed limit is not enforced and the way to do this is to prove to the PLA that this is not the right thing for London. Furthermore, I know that David Foster, the Harbour Master does not like RIBS. Have you set a date for your meeting with the PLA?

[timw]

PLA are talking about a limit through Central London Bridges. I suspect they will want to make this Wandsworth to Tower, therefore ensuring a limit all the way upstream from Tower.

If a limit has to be imposed, the area should only be Westminster to Tower, which after all is the busiest stretch, and even then the limit should be high enough to allow small craft to plane thus ensuring minimum wash. Perhaps 24 knots on this stretch?

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by timw

PLA are talking about a limit through Central London Bridges. I suspect they will want to make this Wandsworth to Tower, therefore ensuring a limit all the way upstream from Tower.

If a limit has to be imposed, the area should only be Westminster to Tower, which after all is the busiest stretch, and even then the limit should be high enough to allow small craft to plane thus ensuring minimum wash. Perhaps 24 knots on this stretch?

Why have one at all??? Have to be imposed? No "have to" about it yet another example of a few idiots imposing their will on everyone - just like Windemere.