Limited trial service starts on new Woolwich Ferry

A trial service of the new Woolwich ferry has begun operating this afternoon to gauge how the new system will work.

Don’t all rush down as TfL stated it is a “very limited service” half an hour ago and may even have stopped by now.

The ferry was due to originally restart in late December after closing in October. That deadline was missed after teething troubles with new ferries and automatic magnetic loading docks.

TfL still hope to have a full service operating by 15th January.

The ferries were renewed after plans for a bridge from Thamesmead to Beckton were scrapped. Last year Greenwich Council called for tolls to be placed on ferries in future if traffic increases in the area after Blackwall Tunnel becomes tolled – and given that’s pretty likely it seems the authority will push for the Royal Charter to be revoked.

A report into Silvertown tunnel and Blackwall becoming tolled stated;

“In addition they (RBG) would wish to see the implementation of user charges at adjacent crossings if required, including the Woolwich Ferry”

It’d not be without controversy but will they find a sympathetic ear at TfL and the Department for Transport?