The Port of London Authority (PLA) has launched its Clean Thames Plan at an event in Parliament in collaboration with over 30 river users, riparian councils, and supporting stakeholders.
The plan reportedly lays out achievable actions towards a clean river free of sewage, waste, and pollution, encouraging greater biodiversity and recreation.
In its role as a trust port, the PLA has taken steps to reduce pollution in the tidal Thames, including convening the Thames Litter Forum, removing up to 200 tonnes of rubbish from the river each year through its driftwood service, running public awareness campaigns, and funding projects through its Thames Environment Fund.
Robin Mortimer, PLA’s Chief Executive, said: “The fastest progress is made in partnership; our unique position as a trust port means that we’ve been able to galvanise wide support and set out achievable actions in the Clean Thames Plan to reach the ambitious vision that we have set for the tidal Thames.
“We all want a river that is clean, with a healthy ecosystem. Delivering on the ten priorities in this action plan will enable us to focus our shared efforts and resources and realise the ambition for the river that flows through our capital city.”
After hosting a roundtable discussion and showcase event to launch the Clean Thames Plan at the UK Parliament, Dame Jackie Doyle-Price MP, stated: “Improving water quality is a pressing concern for everyone. I welcome the PLA’s efforts to draw attention to these important issues; injecting greater focus on key actions to remedy the situation, while shining a light on best practice up-and-down the tidal Thames.”
In February, PLA unveiled the Net Zero River Plan, which identified four priority themes to accelerate the move to Net Zero.