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River Thames closures, restrictions and conditions

Closures, restrictions and conditions on the River Thames.

Lock closures

Our 2011/12 Waterway Investment Programme includes a number of lock closures throughout the winter.

River closures

Event Location Date
Boveney Reach, between Bray and Boveney Locks 21 February 2012
Mapledurham Lock to Caversham Bridge, Reading 25 February 2012
Hampton Court to Steven's Ait, Kingston 10 March 2012

 

   



River restrictions

Event Location Date
Boveney reach between Bray and Boveney Locks 1 October 2011 - 31 March 2012
Chertsey Reach, Laleham area 18 February 2012
200 metres below Kingston Railway Bridge to 100 metres above Steven's Ait, Kingston 15 July 2012

Email us if you would like to receive updates on closures and restrictions on the River Thames:

Facility updates

Location Facility type Description Start date Finish date
Molesey Lock Pump-out Only available during lock keeping hours   Until further notice
Sandford Lock Electric charging point Currently out of order 12 August 2011 TBC
Mapledurham Lock Elsan disposal Out of order due to vandalism 9 September 2011 Until further notice
Shiplake Lock Pump-out Currently out of order 9 September 2011 TBC
Bell Weir Lock Public toilet Temporarily out of order 21 October 2011 TBC


River conditions

All river activities are more dangerous when there are strong currents, high river levels or cold weather. Flows can increase even during the summer months – never assume sunny weather means the conditions are not hazardous.

Find out about River Thames conditions from the Environment Agency's River Thames conditions update service:

Strong stream warnings

When we display red 'Caution strong stream' warning boards on lock gates, we advise boaters not to navigate because strong flows will make passing through the lock difficult and dangerous.

If you have hired a boat and arrive at a lock where these boards are displayed, you should stop immediately and contact your hire boat operator for advice.

Stream increasing warnings

When we display yellow 'Caution stream increasing' warning boards on lock gates, we advise you to find a safe mooring or leave the water. This is because river flows are likely to strengthen. We may display red 'Caution strong stream' warning boards very quickly and without warning.

When we are displaying these yellow boards on lock gates, we advise powered boaters to proceed with caution, and unpowered boats not to navigate.

Other ways to find out about River Thames conditions

  • Call our Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to hear recorded information and advice (select option 1 and when prompted dial 011131)
  • Talk to one of our lock staff who will be able to give advice on local conditions and moorings