EUROPE

London reveals 20 year vision

11 years ago

The use of the Thames could be transformed to its benefit, according to the latest Thames Vision publication by the Port of London Authority (PLA), which sets out a plan to develop the Thames over the next 20 years.

Port strategy: PLA’s vision is for the Thames to handle 60 to 80 million tonnes of cargo each year

PLA’s Thames Vision Goals and Priority Actions report sets out six goals and 24 priority actions including its strategy to handle 60 to 80 million tonnes of cargo each year (up from 44.5 million tonnes in 2014). It also wants to double the number of people travelling by river reaching 20 million commuter and tourist trips every year.

Robin Mortimer, PLA chief executive, said: “When we started this project in March we were sure there was untapped potential in this great river. What we’ve found, working with hundreds of people and more than 70 organisations, has surpassed our expectations.”

The port authority also wants to promote more goods and materials moved between wharves on the river in order to take 550,000 lorries trips off the region’s roads and create the cleanest Thames since the Industrial Revolution, with improved habitats in the water and on adjoining land.

Among other things, it also wants to promote greater participation in sport and recreation on the water, improve the main navigation channels, create a long-term pier strategy to include new piers at Thamesmead, Erith, Greenhithe, Swanscombe, Grays and Tilbury and complete the Thames Tideway Tunnel as planned.

PLA has now kicked off a ten-week consultation with stakeholders and the general public on the plan, which is the result of nine months of work.

Information on the consultation can be found on the PLA website: http://www.pla.co.uk/About-Us/The-Thames-Vision