Green Assembly Member Baroness Jenny Jones’ calls for a review of the Thames Barrier, due to the “unprecedented frequency of closures” recently, have been heard by Mayor Boris Johnson.
Thames Barrier as viewed from East London, photograph courtesy of Andy Roberts.
Responding to Jenny Jones AM’s request for a review of the adequacy of the Thames Barrier to continue protecting London from tidal flooding, bearing in mind the recent extreme weather events and the fact that it has already closed 40 times this year, Boris Johnson agreed that he wanted “a full review of its operations”. This took place today at Mayor’s Question Time.
It is estimated that currently the Thames barrier protects 1.2m people and property worth £200 billion. The Environment Agency believes that it will be adequate until 2050, when they will consider the need for a new barrier or extend the life of the existing barrier.
Jenny Jones said: “Whilst the barrier has performed superbly in protecting London, the unprecedented frequency of closures in recent months should serve as a wake up call, particularly as they have pushed the barrier close to its recommended operational limits of no more than 50 closures a year”
“The original designs did not take into account the impacts of climate change or protecting parts of west London from river flooding. That is why we need a review now”