Pre-bookable moorings boost for boaters visiting London

BOATERS planning a visit to London now have more options to guarantee a mooring, following the extension of the Canal & River Trust’s pre-booking service in April.

The capital has seen boat numbers grow dramatically and, in central areas, demand for mooring space is at a premium. A recent consultation showed that boaters were put off visiting because of the perception that they would not be able to find somewhere to moor.

These additions to the existing pre-bookable moorings will give boaters the security of a spot before they embark on a cruise into central London.

CRT head of customer service support Matthew Symonds said: “London’s canals cut through some of the tourist hotspots of the city and it’s no surprise that, for many boaters, mooring up in the heart of the capital is on their ‘bucket list’ of cruises.

“The waters are vibrant spaces, busy with liveaboard boats, visiting cruisers, trip boats and roving traders, not to mention waterside businesses, and the many thousands of people who use the towpaths every day.

“With London’s canals at peak capacity, it’s more important than ever that we manage the space fairly for all.”

Eight hundred metres of pre-bookable moorings are available at Camden, King’s Cross, Broadway Market and Victoria Park on the Regent’s Canal, and Cowley North and Kensal Green on the Grand Union Canal. They bring the total length of pre-bookable moorings in central London to around 1500 metres, with existing sites at Little Venice and Paddington on the Grand Union and eco-moorings at King’s Cross and Islington on the Regent’s Canal.

Additional income raised from the pre-bookable moorings will allow the charity to employ rangers to make sure that boats are not staying too long and blocking spaces for other boaters.

New sites at Camden and King’s Cross are now available with the remaining sites due to be phased in throughout the year. The moorings are priced between £25 and £35 per night and can be booked for one to seven days, with a maximum of seven days in a single visit.

The trust is introducing a charge for the pre-bookable eco mooring sites at King’s Cross and Angel Islington.

Boaters have the option to connect to electric hook-up at these locations using their Meter Max account.

Moorings can be booked online or by calling the trust’s customer service team on 0303 040 4040. More information can be found by visiting boating information/ customer service facilities at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk