Every summer the good weather attracts visitors to the towpath. However, some of the visitors stray onto the lock structures and cause obstructions. Most of them are unaware of the dangers they are creating for themselves and other people.
These three bicycles have been chained to the lock ladder. This is akin to blocking a fire escape.
This picnic blanket has been laid on the edge of a lock landing. If a boat arrives then then diners will need to move very quickly - possibly into the path of a cyclist.
The lock surfaces should be free of obstructions at all times. They are intended for boat skippers and crew, not for glass bottles or bicycles.
A limited amount of signage exists, to warn visitors to stay away from the edge, but it is not forceful enough and is clearly being ignored.
See our web page hazards-at-locks.html containing similar photographs from 2013.
See the BBC News report which was broadcast in August 2022.