Chapter 5
Waterways PartnershipsWaterways management
5.1 The inland waterways system has its origins in local initiatives and has never formed a fully integrated national network. Individual navigation authorities have historically managed their waterways in different ways depending on the nature of the authority and its wider responsibilities. This fragmented approach has created difficulties for users and has held back the development of the system as a whole.
5.2 In recent years navigation authorities have increasingly accepted that they should discuss common approaches to issues of mutual interest and harmonise their working practices where possible. The Government welcomes this approach. We want to foster partnership among all navigation authorities to promote a higher profile for the waterways, and to provide a higher quality, safe, and more joined-up experience for users. Safety on the inland waterways is important and we want the highest standards to be achieved.
The Association of Inland Navigation Authorities
5.3 he Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA) was formed in 1996 with the support of the then Government to bring together navigation authorities and provide a single voice on waterway management issues.
5.4 AINA's objectives are to:
- provide a forum for the sharing of best practice advice and expertise;
- represent members' views to Government and other bodies;
- develop links with its European neighbours;
- secure adequate investment in the waterways;
- promote public awareness of the value and potential of the waterways and support for their development and conservation; and
- enhance the amenity and environmental quality of the waterways.
5.5 In early 1999 AINA produced a national strategy for the inland waterways Steering a Fresh Course [14]. The Association has since drawn up an action plan to take the strategy forward. This includes:
- developing an environmental framework plan acceptable to all navigation authorities;
- issuing best practice guidance on waterway corridor studies, cost benefit analysis of waterways, and waterway standards;
- developing a common approach to the conservation of historic structures and identifying their investment needs;
- researching the environmental impact of different uses of the waterways; and
- developing a water resource management plan for member authorities' waterways.
5.6 AINA also proposes to draw up a strategic plan for the waterways. It believes that it would be appropriate to consider how the present system which has grown in an uncoordinated way can best meet future needs. There may, for instance, be a case for constructing new, or enhancing existing navigations to exploit the full potential of the system. A national strategy would allow individual navigation authorities to develop their own plans in co-operation with each other, creating a logical system and consistent standards. The plan would also provide a framework within which proposals for restoration, enhancement, or new navigations could be assessed.
5.7 AINA wishes to forge a closer relationship with IWAAC, drawing on its help and advice in preparing the strategic plan for the waterways and taking forward its other tasks. The Government welcomes this proposal which, although falling outside IWAAC's statutory remit, would help to harmonise the management of the waterways.
5.8 The Government sees a positive and developing role for AINA as a representative body for navigation authorities, and for IWAAC as an advisory resource for waterways generally. We wish to see both bodies foster partnership among navigation authorities to help harmonise management of the waterways.
- We will help fund AINA's future work including its action plan to take forward its national navigation strategy.
- We will encourage AINA to draw on IWAAC's help and advice in carrying out its work.
- We will encourage IWAAC to provide advice on waterways generally.
British Waterways and the Environment Agency
5.9 The Government has asked British Waterways and the Environment Agency to work closely together to provide a more integrated and safe service for users of their waterways. The two bodies have already introduced a joint national licensing and registration scheme and have now drawn up a Collaboration Agreement setting out a framework under which the two bodies can work to mutual advantage. This covers a wide range of functions and responsibilities including specific tasks such as
- introducing the waterway standards now adopted as good practice by AINA, and providing common access to waterway services for boaters, wherever practical and economic;
- encouraging good and safe navigation practice;
- sharing technical knowledge, carrying out joint research and exchanging experience;
- collaborating on land use, planning policy and sustainable development; and
- maximising the potential for recreation, conservation, and restoration and regeneration.
5.10 The Government welcomes the progress British Waterways and the Environment Agency have made in developing joint working arrangements and we look to the two bodies to implement the full provisions of their Collaboration Agreement as quickly as possible.
- We will review the progress made in implementing the Collaboration Agreement as part of the quinquennial review of the Environment Agency to be carried out later this year.
- We will also look at the Agency's navigation responsibilities as part of this review.
The Waterways Trust
5.11 In March 1999 British Waterways and the trustees of the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum created a new charitable body, The Waterways Trust, to conserve and promote all the country's inland waterways. The Trust's objectives were to preserve and protect the natural and built environment of the inland waterways; promote their restoration, development and use; provide facilities for leisure and recreational use; and educate the public about the waterways and their history.
5.12 The Trust's initial task was to secure the future of the waterway museums at Ellesmere Port, Gloucester Docks, and Stoke Bruerne. Since then, it has followed up its wider remit by supporting a number of restoration and development projects which will generate worthwhile regeneration benefits.
5.13 The Government welcomes the creation of the Waterways Trust and the steps it is taking to establish itself as a separate and accountable body with trustees reflecting its interest in all of Britain's inland waterways. Its work will make a significant contribution to our policies for the waterways set out in this document.
14 Steering a Fresh Course: A Strategy for the Inland Navigations of the United Kingdom: AINA 1999
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Published 27 June 2000
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