The two-part report presents a study assessing the opportunities for the transport of waste, recyclates and construction materials on the West London Canal Network (WLCN). It focuses on a 'lock-free' section of the Grand Union Canal in west London, an area covering 25 per cent of the commercial property and 18 per cent of the population and households in Greater London. It describes the work carried out in identifying the potential volumes of key commodities which could be moved by canal. Estimates current and forecast volumes of the commodities. The supply chain characteristics of each of the commodities in relation to the canal network are looked at. The second part of the report provides sample business cases to test the viability of various traffic flows on the WLCN.

The research was jointly commissioned by Transport for London and British Waterways London. The report sets out the results and conclusions of Phase Two of the study. Phase one was primarily aimed at mapping the physical status of the network, the proximity of access points, and broadly identifying land use activity that could provide the basis for the future development of proposals to move waste and other commodities by canal.

The researchers assembled experts in barge and operational technology, coupled with commercial experience to guide the potential service and infrastructure development. This was combined with economics and costing analysis to assess the potential viability of the more promising opportunities. A considerable number of site visits and business interviews were carried out - varying from organisations carrying out waste and recyclates handling - to potential sites which are, or could be, developed as waste transfer stations, consolidation centres and development sites.

The main findings of the report are that the WLCN:

WLCN could also help to reduce lorry sensitive miles, carbon emissions, congestion, and accidents involving HGVs. A potential annual environmental benefit of up to £1m has been estimated based on Department for Transport road sensitive miles calculations. The report concludes that movement by barge can be the most cost effective solution for the movement of certain commodities over short distances where both ends of the journey are alongside the canal.

Transport for London
Phone: +44 20 7222 5600

01/09/2005

Peter Brett Associates

research

Urban Policy > Transport and infrastructure

Water transport