| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:New River Taxi Service at Wandsworth Riverside Quarter | |
| Posted by: | Rosemary Torrington | |
| Date/Time: | 18/04/07 20:05:00 |
| Jonathan, Here is the text of a question put to the Cabinet Member for Planning & Transport at the Council meeting on 28th March together with the reply. Helping the River take the strain: Question asked by Councillor Torrington of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation – "Could the Cabinet Member please explain what proactive steps are being taken by the Council to secure inward investment from TfL and the developers of riverside sites to encourage and develop a commuter river boat service served by public piers in order to expand public transport on the Thames? Answer: The Council has promoted the establishment of an effective river boat service for many years and recognises that the River Thames is a significant, yet underused facility for transporting people. The Council's transport strategy includes policies that both encourage the provision of passenger transport on the Thames and the provision of landing stages at new riverside developments. The Unitary Development Plan also has a key objective to promote the provision of passenger and freight transport on the River Thames. We have also sought new piers as part of major riverside developments. This has not always been possible due to the extent of the foreshore at low tide, as at Gargoyle Wharf. At the Battersea Power Station site, both a pier and a riverboat service were planned, and I hope that these can be retained in the new owners' proposals. It is also proposed that the Riverside Quarter in Wandsworth will provide a pier for use by a suitable river boat service and these negotiations are ongoing. Transport for London oversees Riverbus services and we have requested that a service be provided to locations in Wandsworth. Such services are expensive to set up and hitherto have shown a relatively poor value for money, compared with other public transport investment. However, I can assure Councillor Mrs. Torrington that the Council will continue to pursue the matter, both directly with TfL and through any potential that riverside developments might bring. |