Commuters angry as river speed limit is halved

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

All vessels have been ordered by the Port of London Authority to keep to just 12 knots, down from 24 knots, between Greenwich and central London.

Commuters have complained, however, that journeys now take longer.

Marcelle Bernstein said the evening Thames Clipper service which runs between Woolwich and Waterloo had been affected.

"Sailing with them is great - quiet, comfortable, immensely civilised and above all, fast," she said. "From Greenland Dock to Embankment takes 20 minutes at rush hour.

"But the result (of the new limit) is to double travel times. Greenland to Embankment now takes 40 minutes," she said. "When I travelled with Thames Clipper recently, the listed 8.40am sailing didn't actually materialise until 8.55am and in six years I have never known this happen."

The port authority said the lower limit was vital for safety as new vessels, including rigid inflatables and catamarans, took to the river.

"We have made this precautionary move because of a significant increase in the number of fast vessels on the Thames," said a spokesman.

"In recent months new vessels have started operating new services on new routes and leisure operators have introduced tourist-related high-speed trips.

"This measure will help ensure continued high safety standards on the river."

The spokesman said the authority had met Thames boat operators and river users to agree "updated operating rules".

A spokesperson for Thames Clippers, which operates 10 high-speed, 220-seat boats between Waterloo and Woolwich at 15-minute intervals, said: "We are doing everything we can to ensure our services are not disrupted."

More than £20 million has been invested in the Thames Clipper service since it was taken over by AEG Worldwide, which also operates the 02, last year.