"Ron Jones" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >mick wrote: >> >> The boat on its way up the Lee tried to come through Stanstead Lock >> No.4 with no ropes and the nose right up to the top gates in the V >> and with the swing bridge still over the lock when the two locker >> fully opened both paddles as fast as possible. and wetting the people >> in the front and the inside of the boat as the bow doors were open. >> Think they might be from Newcastle as I tried to talk with them and I >> picked 3 lads that did not understand English > >Rather them than me. I used to open the bridge for the little cruiser - >bl**dy dangerous not to do so, those gate paddles give one hell of a flow.
Well, those gate paddles are much safer since the deflectors (which are of a design that works surprisingly well, and does *not* clog or restrict the flow - too bad it wasn't used elsewhere) were installed. However, a couple of years ago, BW removed the sign that told car drivers not to leave the bridge across the lock after use. So they don't any more. Which means the bridge is usually across, and boaters unfamiliar with it find it that way and so leave it that way. As Mick said, it is dangerous to fill the lock with a boat in it, if the bridge is across. However, those with shorter boats are tempted, naturally, and often do so. BW has been asked several times to reinstate the sign (which reflected the legal rights of the situation AIUI). However, it has been unwilling to do so. Don't want to inconvenience the car drivers, you know. Quite a lot of boats are hired by newbies from nearby Broxbourne. I think it is only a matter of time ... Adrian Adrian Stott 07956-299966
