River Thames Licence Fees

jools · 23 January 2002, 18:39

In responce to "Matiboy" the other day I said I would port licence fees for the River Thames.

Well here we go....

The Environment Agency - the licencing authority - calculate the charge by the area of your boat

So my rib 3.5m x 1.68m = 5.88 square meters

Then use the following table

Area (sq m)...............1 Day............15 Days............1 month
Up to 10....................£7.................£13...... .............£21
11 - 20......................£9.................£34.... ...............£39.50
21 - 30......................£13...............£46..... ..............£60.50
31 - 40......................£19.50..........£65.50.... ..........£87
41 - 50......................£23...............£87..... ..............£105
51 - 60......................£26.50..........£105...... ...........£132
61 - 70......................£33...............£126.... .............£153.50
71 - 80......................£37...............£139.50. ...........£178.50
Over 80(Very Big Rib)£39..............£159..................£199

I hate formating tables!

These are short term licences - You are allowed 6 one-day or 2 15-day or 1 31-day licence a year. I can get the yearly prices if anyone is interested!

The Agency is currently working on a web based system to allow you to purchase your licence "On-Line" (I have suggested that they put an electronic copy of the current form on their web site for now)

At the moment the licences can be applied for by contacting the Thames Office and then by post - or at one of the locks in person

Contact details for the Thames Office can be found on their web site at
www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Any other questions - let me know

Jono Garton · 23 January 2002, 19:55

What are the speed limits on the thames? tidal and non-tidal

Alan · 23 January 2002, 20:18

below Wandsworth Bridge = no speed limit*
above Wandsworth Bridge = 8 kts

* However the PLA byelaws have read something along the lines of "proceeding at a safe speed for navigation and not causing a nuisance to others" (not those actual words I am paraphrasing!). So 45kts through a crowd of trip boats under the eyes of the PLA launches is likely to be frowned upon!

Alan

Jono Garton · 23 January 2002, 21:35

I'm thinking of giving it a try... Weekend after next - any one fancy it???????

jools · 23 January 2002, 21:59

i would be interested

.... but...

What date?

I'm free 1/2 Feb and 22/23 Feb

Where from?
(Traveling from Bristol - But have relatives in Reading)

Cheers
Jools

Bobaw · 24 January 2002, 08:24

Alan

Would just 40 kts be okay then? (only joking)

I must admit I have seen certain abuse of the regs (Once was a PLA launch racing Thames Division River Police - do as we say - not as we do!).

On a serious note, when travelling up or down river - monitor ch 14 as they regularly give speed restrictions to protect people working on the water line.

Regards

Bob

Jono Garton · 24 January 2002, 19:09

Pron 23/2 sounds good.

I'm travelling from nottingham.

Any one reccomend any slips?#

Jono

Scubakid · 25 January 2002, 16:37

There is a good slip at Putney but have a look at the boatlaunch site I am sure you will find all you need there.

John

LamacqS · 25 January 2002, 18:02

Hi,

There is a reasonable slipway at North Woolwich, bargehouse road. Its about 15mins from the bottom of the M11. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare but you should the able to launch and recover most of the time - except lw +/- 1hr. A Strong tide runs across the slipway which can make the recovery abit fun!!

Regards

jools · 26 January 2002, 14:42

I was wondering about Oxford / Abingdon area - how does that sound?

Seems about half way between Nottingham and Bristol!!

There are 2 slips listed for Abingdon - I will get to Cath to ask at work to find out where is a good spot.

Anybody else joining us?

Jools

Jono Garton · 26 January 2002, 22:08

sounds good to me.

How far do you think we will get in the day? i',m not fam with the area. I'm keen to get lower than Wandsworth if we can.

Is there any locks to go through? are they manned?

Should be a good trip.

John Kennett · 27 January 2002, 06:55

From Abingdon to Wandsworth is about 100 miles and 30 locks. they are all manned, but even do that's just a bit optimistic for a day

For the non-tidal Thames you'll need a licence. You can get away without one so long as you don't plan to go through any locks -- but that will really limit your range . . .

As far as I knoe the only place that issues them on demand is Teddington Lock, otherwise you need to get on in advance. Jools can probably sort this though!

John

geoff · 27 January 2002, 22:34

I am a regular on the tidal part of the Thames and if you want to explore this area I would suggest you launch downstream. The best all-tidal site in Johnson Drawdock on the Isle of Dogs and there are several others around there but there are tidal restrictions. Greenwich Yacht club has a good facility. Check out www.boatlaunch.co.uk for all the details.
Check the tides since launching or recovering when the tide is running fast can be tricky. The main thing to look out for is plastic bags that wrap themselves around the water intake and can cook an engine very quickly. If you do not have over heating alarms fitting, get them on before going on the Thames. I speak from bitter experience. There is also a lot of drift wood. That said, it is great fun going under Tower Bridge and past the Houses of Parliament and it is a great way to see London.
Unfortunately I cannot make 22 Feb, but if you go for a later week-end I would like to join you.

Jono Garton · 28 January 2002, 18:39

Jools - What do you think of going for later date?

Three boats sounds good to me!

What dates can any one do?

Alan · 28 January 2002, 19:07

then I'd be up for it too!
Although at 6.5m would my RIB be too big!

Scubakid · 28 January 2002, 19:26

Ditto on Alan's comments if I have not been dragged off to sunnier climes then I would also be up for the tidal bit. and mine is even bigger than Alans!!!

John

Jono Garton · 28 January 2002, 20:50

ok?