The River Thames has been completely overlooked in Sadiq Khan’s latest plans to clean up the city’s toxic air. “Nothing on the Thames has really got emission controls, so when the mayor is trying to have ultra-low emissions, it’s just not going to touch the river,” says #NoToxicPort campaigner, Ralph Hardwick. “You can’t call London a low emission zone when the river is not included.” Boats can emit up to 100 times the level of sulphur oxide gases (SOx) as cars, vans and buses because they operate under the same rules as trawlers in the North Sea. Lax standards mean river traffic operates well outside the targets set by London’s low emission zone, let alone the ultra-low emission zone coming into force next year. “It’s a bit of a strange dichotomy where you can have cars that are subject to increasingly strict restriction and then on the river next to them sometimes you have boats subject to restrictions that permit greater levels of emissions,” said Professor Matt Loxham, an air pollution toxicologist at the University of Southampton. “SOx are irritants to the airways – a bit like nitrogen dioxide – they can cause inflammation and in people who are predisposed they can exacerbate asthma or respiratory conditions,” says Professor Loxham. Dr Tristan Smith, a shipping researcher at University College London, estimates the lack of stringency on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions means the engines used by these boats produce quantities around 10 times higher, per passenger, than London buses. “It’s not just about asthma, it’s about cancer, heart disease, poor sleep and dementia as well,” says Professor Hugh Montgomery, an intensive care medic at University College London. However, Martin Garside from the Port of London Authority (PLA) says that not only is the Thames a “vital transport artery”, its river traffic serves a key role in actually reducing air pollution in the city. “With a single barge able to carry the load of 50 lorries, it is central to reducing traffic and pollution on London’s congested roads.” Ralph Hardwick disagrees, “To me it’s weak – it’s a lot of smoke and mirrors to say they are doing something.” Ships emit highly dangerous ultrafine particulates, which were on average present at levels 400 times higher than is considered “safe”, penetrating deep into the lungs and cause damage. Mr Hardwick says ultimately control over river emissions needs to come from those in government. “They need to step up and say we can’t carry on allowing vessels in UK waters continuing to pollute as they are.” NO TOXIC PORT at ENDERBY WHARF / MARITIME VIEW This article (full version attached) shows how important it is to install onshore electricity at Enderby Wharf, and indeed other ports where people live nearby. Hopefully when the Mayor of London meets with the new Head of Greenwich Council, Danny Thorpe, the issue will be addressed as a matter of urgency. We very much look forward to Greenwich Council making a formal commitment to working with developers and the owners of Enderby Wharf to secure the use of onshore power. THIS IS A SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLE ATTACHED IN THE INDEPENDENT BY JOSH GABBATISS.