Annual Draw-off at Richmond Lock and Weir 2011

Weirs open 6th November to 25th December 2011

In order to carry out essential maintenance works on the lock, weirs and sluices and to carry out a riverbed inspection, it will be necessary to lift the weirs at Richmond. This will allow the river between Richmond Lock and Teddington Lock to drain down at low water on each tide.

The Draw-Off period will commence at approximately 1320 on Sunday 6th November 2011 and will complete at approximately 1700 on Sunday 25th December 2011. During this period river users are reminded that, for the duration of the work, the river will NOT be maintained at the nominal level of Chart Datum and that the river bed can be expected to be exposed.

Owners of boats and structures usually moored between Richmond Lock and Teddington Lock should take action in good time, either to move their boats to more suitable moorings (for which they must have the appropriate permissions) or to assure themselves that the boat is capable of taking the ground over the low waters. Short term moorings are of only limited availability in the upper district, any vessel owners not taking early action are likely to have extreme difficulty in finding suitable moorings. If you normally keep your boat on PLA waters upstream of Richmond Lock and would like to moor at Teddington Lock during the annual draw-off (6th November to 25th December 2011), there are some important changes affecting you. To read about these changes please see the Environment Agency's Factsheet or  website (open in a new window).

River works licence holders and riparian landowners are reminded that any interference with the foreshore such as dredging, excavating or disturbing the river bed requires a licence from the Port of London Authority. Recent environmental legislation provides for very high levels of fines when licensing requirements are not strictly adhered to.

Persons navigating through the weirs and upstream of Richmond Lock must do so with great care and should have regard to people working in and around the Lock and Weirs and be aware that Weirs may be raised and lowered at various times for maintenance purposes. In addition boat owners are reminded to navigate with due regard to the effect of their wash on boats and structures which may be grounding during low water.