Smethwick Locks, Birmingham

Due to ongoing pressure on water resources, Brades Lock Flight, Spon Lane Lock Flight and Smethwick Lock Flight will be closed to navigation from Monday 27 July 2026 until further notice.

The restrictions currently in place were intended to reduce water demand and conserve limited water supplies whilst maintaining navigation opportunities. Despite these measures, water resources have not recovered sufficiently to support continued lock operation. Following ongoing assessment by our operational and water management teams, closure is now necessary to conserve water supplies and protect the wider navigation network.

The following lock flights will be closed to navigation from Monday 27 July 2026 until further notice:

• Brades Lock Flight
• Spon Lane Lock Flight
• Smethwick Lock Flight

Please note that Ryders Green Lock Flightremains open and continues to operate under the restricted opening hours introduced on 20 July 2026.

We understand that this closure will impact boating plans and apologise for the inconvenience caused. This decision has not been taken lightly and remains necessary to help conserve available water supplies during a period of sustained dry weather and reduced water availability.

The closure will remain under regular review and will be lifted as soon as water resources allow safe and sustainable operation of the lock flight. Our teams will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide further updates as soon as circumstances change.

Boaters are encouraged to check the latest noticesbefore travelling as operating arrangements may change at short notice in response to water resource conditions. Boaters can continue to help conserve water across the network by sharing locks where possible, ensuring paddles are fully lowered after use and checking that lock gates are properly closed. For further guidance, please refer to the Thrift Code - a set of simple actions boaters can take to save water.

We appreciate the patience, understanding and cooperation of all boaters during this challenging period.

Due to ongoing water resource challenges, restrictions are being introduced at Brades, Spon Lane, Smethwick and Ryders Green Lock Flights from Monday 20 July 2026.

These restrictions have been introduced to help conserve water supplies and maintain navigation during a period of reduced water availability. The restrictions have been agreed following ongoing reviews by our operational and water management teams and are intended to reduce water demand while preserving navigation opportunities across the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

The following operating times will apply:

Brades Lock Flight • Open: 09:00 • Last passage: 13:00 • Close: 14:00

Spon Lane Lock Flight • Open: 08:00 • Last passage: 12:00 • Close: 13:00

Smethwick Lock Flight • Open: 08:30 • Last passage: 12:30 • Close: 13:30

Ryders Green Lock Flight • Open: 10:00 • Last passage: 13:00 • Close: 14:00

Last passage through each lock flight will be one hour before the published closure time to allow boats sufficient time to clear the flight safely before locks are secured.

The situation is being reviewed regularly. Should water resources not improve by 27 July 2026, these lock flights may be closed to navigation until further notice.

We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all boaters as we work to conserve water resources and maintain navigation. Boaters can help by sharing locks where possible, ensuring paddles are fully lowered after use and checking that gates are properly closed.