They were initially managed by the British Transport Commission, but control passed to British Waterways with the passing of the Transport Act 1962, which also disbanded the Transport Commission. The Transport Acts of 1968 and 1983 divided British canals into Commercial waterways, which were still carrying commercial traffic, cruising waterways, which had potential for leisure use, and remainder waterways, for which no economic use could be seen at the time. The Stainforth and Keadby was designated as a commercial waterway, and traffic was restricted to working boats carrying freight.
Initially managed by the British Transport Commission, control shifted to British Waterways after the Transport Act 1962 was enacted. This act also dissolved the Transport Commission. The Transport Acts of 1968 and 1983 reclassified British canals into Commercial waterways, which continued with commercial traffic, cruising waterways for leisure use, and remainder waterways without apparent economic value at that time. The Stainforth and Keadby was designated as a Commercial waterway, and only working boats carrying freight were allowed to navigate.