David
Established Member
Using London's canal network to move freight could help ease traffic congestion and halve transport costs, a new study has found.
The report by British Waterways and Transport for London examined how the Grand Union Canal in west London could be developed to carry freight.
Reviving the canal transport network would also reduce pollution and accidents involving lorries, it found.
It examined two sections either side of the 26-mile Camden-to-Slough stretch.
The study highlighted the need to develop access to the water and create up to five key interchange points between the canal and road network.
An estimated 640,000 tonnes of waste, recycling and building materials could be carried on canal barges every year.
Mark Bensted, British Waterways' director for London, welcomed the study's findings.
"This report represents an entirely new approach to the challenge of reviving commercial traffic on London's canals," he said.
"We are not underestimating the challenges ahead, but this report clearly shows that we are on the right track."
Another study into moving commercial waste by barge from an industrial site in Park Royal, north-west London is under way.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4420802.stm
The report by British Waterways and Transport for London examined how the Grand Union Canal in west London could be developed to carry freight.
Reviving the canal transport network would also reduce pollution and accidents involving lorries, it found.
It examined two sections either side of the 26-mile Camden-to-Slough stretch.
The study highlighted the need to develop access to the water and create up to five key interchange points between the canal and road network.
An estimated 640,000 tonnes of waste, recycling and building materials could be carried on canal barges every year.
Mark Bensted, British Waterways' director for London, welcomed the study's findings.
"This report represents an entirely new approach to the challenge of reviving commercial traffic on London's canals," he said.
"We are not underestimating the challenges ahead, but this report clearly shows that we are on the right track."
Another study into moving commercial waste by barge from an industrial site in Park Royal, north-west London is under way.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4420802.stm