The Olympics

The tidal Thames is set to attract a great deal of additional activity in 2012, the year of the London Olympics and also the Queen's Golden Jubilee.  The Thames is already the busiest inland waterway in the UK and the PLA is working in partnership with many local organisations and Government Agencies to prepare for and accommodate safely the increase in use of the tideway. 

The PLA's main role during the period will be delivering on its core responsibility - facilitating safety of navigation on the tidal Thames.  In Central London this is done primarily through the 24-hour harbour service patrol and Vessel Traffic Services operation based at the Thames Barrier Navigation Centre.

The main aspects of the PLA's work specifically related to the 2012 events include:

River Events - advising on the viability, prioritisation and the effect of cultural events on the river, set against the established role for passenger,and freight transport, and leisure activities

Passenger Transport - assisting in and advising on the development of aspects including passenger services, timetables and pier operation during the Olympics; advising on suggested infrastructure improvements, such as the extension of Tower Pier;

Freight Transport - encouraging use of water for freight transport to and from the Olympic site; assisting in the construction and operational preparation of the Three Mill Lock; responsibility for managing navigation between Three Mills Lock and the River Thames

Contingency Planning - meetings its responsibility as a 'Category 2' responder under the Civil Contingencies Act to support and advise the emergency services and local authorities, in order to ensure existing emergency plans are fit for purpose and exercised prior to this very busy period.

Cruise ships - provision of cruise ship moorings together with pilotage and other services for these vessels.

Security - working closely with and in support of the Police and other agencies to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place within the River Thames during what will be a time of increased security awareness.

The river borne transport of materials and goods between the River Thames and the Olympic site will be via the River Lea and Bow Back Rivers.  Waterborne access has been improved by the completion of the new, £18.9 million lock and water control structure at Three Mills Lock on Prescott Channel in Bow.  This will enable larger barges of construction materials to be taken to the site and other materials taken away, helping the 2012 London Olympics achieve its sustainable transport goals.  The PLA is working with a number of operators to utilise this new, sustainable infrastructure.