Where have all the boats gone? 

New daily mooring fees which are now being charged in a number of locations in London have had a devastating impact on London’s boating community in 2024.

Once-busy sections of towpath have emptied, thanks to discriminatory fee policies from the Canal and River Trust (CRT).

A campaign by NBTA saw a small reversal in policy from the CRT. In November 2024 it agreed to drop prices from the ‘punishingly expensive’ daily charge of between £25 and £35 a night to £20 a night over winter. By continuing to charge a nightly fee, the CRT has created a two-tier system, where those with discretionary spending money for whom an extra £140 a week is nothing at all, can moor safely in central London and everyone else is pushed out.

CRT also agreed to stop charging to moor in Camden, but has remained committed to charging boaters to be able to moor in Little Venice, Paddington Basin, Kings Cross and Angel. These moorings spots — all time-limited at 7 days — are generally considered safe places to moor as long as there are other boaters around, as they are close to public transport and other amenities.

CRT had previously flagged plans to roll out more paid-for mooring spots across Greater London including Uxbridge, Kensal, Broadway Market and Victoria Park. As a result of NBTA’s campaign these plans have been shelved.

However, the fight to protect London’s canals from de facto privatisation and CRT’s stated ambition to “manage the number of boats in Lonon” is not over.

If you DON’T want London’s thriving boat community to be pushed off the waterways, we call on you to take action before it is TOO LATE.

Watch this short film for info here. 

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Where have all the boats gone?

HOW YOU CAN HELP 

1. Share your thoughts on London’s boating community in an increasingly hostile environment via social media tagging @CanalRiverTrust and @NBTAlondon

2. Write to the Mayor of London mayor@london.gov.uk to tell him how London’s canals and boating community benefits you, your family, your friends, your community, or your business — and why you believe he needs to help protect it.

3. Voice your opposition to these policies directly via email to matthew.symonds@canalriverstrust.org.uk 

4. Subscribe for updates on this and other NBTA campaigns here, on Instagram @officialnbtalondon, and via the website www.bargee-traveller.org.uk