Please let us have your views on Westminster Council’s proposal to establish an eco-mooring zone at Paddington Basin which will provide up to 36 electrified moorings along the towpath from Merchant Square to the Basin.

Canal boats will be able to connect to the mains electricity and reduce wood/coal burning, running engines, generators or for charging batteries. This will also enable heating and cooking to be provided by sources other than solid fuel stoves.

There are also health reasons for setting up the eco-mooring zone.

One of the main pollutants emitted by burning solid fuels like wood is ultra-fine particulate matter. The health effects of particle air pollution include premature death and the worsening of heart and lung disease, often increasing admissions to hospital. The people most at risk from engine fumes are boaters themselves. Using cleaner sources of energy, like electric charging points, will benefit boaters’ health.

Also, St Mary’s Hospital has been affected by emissions from the canal. Wards and surgical theatre have had to be temporarily closed due to smoke and pollutants being drawn into their buildings from the canal basin. Given the current pressures on the NHS, it is important that we do as much as we can to reduce this harmful impact.

You can give your views on the Council’s website at https://www.westminster.gov.uk/planning-building-and-environmental-regulations/planning-and-climate-emergency/paddington-basin-eco-mooring-zone-consultation/