Robin Mortimer, Chief Executive of the Port of London Authority (PLA), welcomes growing support for utilising the Thames to boost under-resourced communities, accommodate growth, help make Net Zero a reality — and promote cycling and walking in the capital.
For a river historically famous for dividing our capital geographically, the Thames is today responsible for a welcome outbreak of harmony.
The strong cross-party support for our study highlighting a trio of options for an electric cycle-friendly ferry, spanning the river in the capital east of Greenwich, is a promising sign that where there is will there can be a way.
Deliverable by 2026, all three of the suggested routes are close to major development areas where North-South transport connectivity is currently severely lacking,
The plans have also been warmly welcomed by groups pushing for more Active Thames routes to help London’s residents, workers and visitors keep fit, mentally and physically.
They complement Uber Boat by Thames Clipper work already in hand for a cleaner, greener ferry service, connecting Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe.
Currently, there are 22 pedestrian and cycle crossings over the Thames 15km west of North Greenwich, compared with just six 15km to the east.
With a lifespan of 30 years, the investment required for each option – estimated to be between £120 million and £132 million – would be around a third of the cost of a bridge capable of carrying a comparable number of people over the river.
They could also be operational in a fraction of the time.
The study, which we co-commissioned with the Thames Estuary Growth Board, is central to our Thames Vision 2050 delivery plan, aiming to maximise the economic, social and environmental potential of the tidal river.
Find out more about ​‘The case for new zero-emission ferry crossings’ report .