PORT OF LONDON AUTHORITY PILOTAGE PROPOSALS

That this House is concerned at the proposals by the Port of London Authority to reduce pilotage limits for vessels on the Thames allowing vessels of up to 90 meters to enter the Port of London without the guidance of pilots; believes that this increases the risk of a major environmental incident affecting Kent, Essex and London and placing the safety of river users at risk; deplores the refusal of the Port of London Authority to consult its own pilots about the implications of the proposals; and reminds the Port of London Authority that the Port of Milton Haven has recently been prosecuted by the Environment Agency for its failure to observe full safety measures following the 'Sea Empress' disaster.