 A diesel
narrowboat recently travelled through Standedge Tunnel under it's own
power, rather than towed in convoy by a BW electric tug. This has
fuelled speculation that private boaters will soon be able to steer
their own boats through. This British Waterways press release
explains the background. Recent reports (February 2008) suggest that
private boaters may in future be allowed to take their own boats through
the tunnel with a BW 'pilot' on board. Some work to remove projecting
obstructions etc may be necessary but the new scheme could be in
operation for 2009.
ATMOSPHERIC TESTING IN PROGRESS AT
STANDEDGE TUNNEL
Standedge Tunnel is undergoing a series of
exploratory atmospheric tests to investigate the possibility of
allowing low emission diesel tugs to replace the existing
electric tugs through the tunnel. At present, all boats that
take passage through the tunnel are escorted by an electric tug
boat, but research into other potential methods are being
investigated.
Preparatory base testing was carried out
yesterday to gain some background readings of existing train
exhaust emissions in the atmosphere during a passage of
Standedge Tunnel and these same tests are being repeated today
with the use of a narrow boat engine.
Laurence Morgan, General Manager for British
Waterways Yorkshire, said: “The initial examinations that have
been carried out over the last couple of days have been very
informative, but these are extremely early days in what is a
very complex process in a confined environment.
“The health and safety elements which have to
be taken into consideration are paramount, so although we are
satisfied by this pilot test, there is a significant amount of
analysis and testing that needs to be undertaken before any
conclusions are drawn. We need to be absolutely certain that no
conditions could arise that are potentially dangerous to our
crews or our boaters.
“Our aim here has been to be realistic about
what could be safely tolerated by members of the public, as well
as British Waterways staff who need to enter tunnels as part of
their day to day work.
“Boats are currently being escorted through
the tunnel twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays (Tues and
Thurs next year) and this is a system which works effectively,
but we are always continuing to strive to look into new
possibilities.” |
