Scrap the consultation
THE Canal & River River Trust proposal to introduce draconian mooring restrictions at 22 sites in its South East Region is coming under increasing pressure, writes Allan Richards.
Well over 500 have now signed a petition saying that the consultation document proposing the restrictions is flawed and should be scrapped.
NABO & IWA
The National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) has already come out strongly against the proposals (NABO against mooring proposals—8/2/2013). However, calls to the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) to declare its position have been ignored.
Surprising number of complaints
The consultation document suggests that the only reason for the proposals is to increase the possibility of boaters arriving at the 22 sites finding space to tie-up. However, the document fails to provide any evidence whatsoever that a problem actually exists. Furthermore, boaters suggest that CaRT do not enforce current rules.
When asked for justification for the proposals, CaRT's Head of Boating, Sally Ash has claimed the there had been a 'surprising number of complaints'.
No evidence
However, it is understood that despite being asked both verbally and in writing, Ms Ash has failed to provide any evidence of numerous complaints having been made.
Two requests under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, have attempted to produce information which would have justified Ms Ash's claim. However, the information has not been provided. Indeed, as previously reported, both Sally Ash and CaRT trustee, John Dodwell, asked one boater, Alan Fincher, to withdraw his request as it was 'not helpful'.
Redundant request
Furthermore, CaRT's Customer Service Co-ordinator, Sarina Young, was led to believe by Sally Ash, that the request was redundant. Luckily, she checked and Alan Fincher, quickly refuted Ms Ash, saying 'It is correct that I and others have been involved in direct conversation with both Sally Ash and John Dodwell. However, those conversations have not actually provided the information asked for in the FOI request'.
He added that he still expected a formal response.
South East User Group
The consultation document states 'This paper takes as a starting point the proposals on which the SE team has already consulted with those represented at user group meetings'.
So have attendees at South East User group meetings complained that boaters are having difficulty mooring? A search has revealed just one document on CaRT's website related to SE User Group which makes no mention of any problem. All the previous papers that were on an older British Waterways site have disappeared...
Despite a request under the FOI Act for CaRT to produce the papers for the last two years, they have not been placed in the public domain.
The 'back door'
Whilst CaRT is actively avoiding providing information that should have been included in its proposals, at least one within the Trust is not so reticent, and two bundles of papers (comprising some 49 documents) have now been provided to narrowboatworld via the 'back door'.
These papers relate to meetings of the South East User Group and were previously published on British Waterways' website but have since been removed. Bearing in mind the unsatisfied FOI request, it should be added that the information was provided within 48 hours of being asked for.
Still no evidence
Going through the 49 documents, absolutely no evidence can be found to support CaRT's proposal regarding mooring restrictions at these 22 sites. Quite simply, no reference can be found regarding difficulty finding space to tie-up at these sites.
Sorry, Sally Ash and John Dodwell if that paragraph is 'not helpful'!
Boater Alan Fincher, who met with CaRT on 12/2/2013, says 'I would love to be able to say that CaRT have just agreed to scrap the proposals (or even that they have just provided evidence to support their claims that changes are necessary). Unfortunately....'.
Come on CaRT, either produce the evidence or scrap the consultation!