London-based non-profit organisation Cross River Partnership (CRP) has announced that it is working with transport and air quality specialist EMSOL to monitor air pollution and noise levels associated with river freight activity on the River Thames.
The study forms part of the Clean Air Villages 4 (CAV4) project, which is funded by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is conducting a river freight trial, transporting supplies from Dartford in Kent, along the river and into Guy’s Hospital, London Bridge. The movement of goods to and from the river piers is carried out using EVs.
EMSOL will monitor the air quality of the vessels carrying the cargo along the river to highlight the potential benefits of moving freight via inland waterways in London compared to using the road network.
According to CRP, the River Thames is the busiest inland waterway in the UK, accounting for five million tonnes of freight. This reduces an estimated 265,000 lorry movements a year off London’s congested roads.
“We’re excited to see the developments from this project, which will inform how future sustainable movements of freight can take place for other sectors across London and beyond,” said CRP project manager Kate Fenton.
