Water Freight along the Grand Union for HS2 works along Old Oak Common?

With the HS2 Hybrid Bill being given the nod at the first reading in the House of Commons, we do need to have a look at how to limit its impact during construction particularly at key junctions like Old Oak Common in London W12 where we would see a considerable amount of construction and by implication lorry movements to build materials into the site while taking soils out of it.

One way to limit such adverse impact in the local environment for residents like Wells Rd, is utilising the canal that passes through the middle of the site for the movement of materials and soils. Yes we are talking about water freight as shown in the above photograph with  loaded barges (120 tonnes) running between Old Oak Common and an entrance off the M25 like at Bulls Bridge near Hayes. This would save Londoners having the misfortune of numerous lorries going into Central London and the adverse impact that will have on air pollution and noise.

The Freight group of the London Water Commission member submitted a Regents Network HS2 Petition, which helps keep the idea above water for consideration on the HS2 works being proposed in Old Oak Common. Lets hope its not forgotten about as an option and when compared with lorries, HS2 don’t forget its clear advantages for not just local residents but Londoners in West London.