Cory Environmental wins prestigious transport award

Cory chief executive David Riddle received the award for the unique way in which the company uses the River Thames to transport London's waste.

In presenting the award to Cory, Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow acknowledged the contribution that Cory's river operation makes to reducing traffic congestion in London.

(left to right) David Riddle and Neil Caborn of Cory accept their award from Jon Snow of Channel 4 News last night

Mr Snow commented on the 400 heavy good vehicle movements avoided each day because waste from the Western Riverside Waste Authority, the Corporation of London and the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Westminster is taken by river to Cory's landfill site in Essex.

David Riddle, chief executive of Cory, said: “This award means a great deal to Cory. The Thames has been vital to our operations for over 100 years and we champion the use of the river for the transport of freight.”

Mr Riddle explained that by transporting waste on the river in sealed containers, Cory is making a real contribution not only to the environment, but also helping to ease traffic congestion in London. He revealed that Cory has invested heavily in its river operation and is now the largest commercial lighterage operator in the middle reaches of the Thames.

Cory's use of the Thames in transporting London's waste saves 400 lorry journeys a day

Benefits

The Cory chief executive added: “Using the river has many environmental benefits, most significantly, a reduction in pollution, noise, congestion and vibration, as well as the economic benefits of substantial fuel and congestion charge savings.”

The London Transport Awards recognise and reward excellence in transport and are supported by Transport for London, the Association of London Government, London First and the London Transport Users Committee. Like their national counterpart, the London Transport Awards focus on progress, rewarding real improvements in transport.

Cory's use of the River Thames to transport about 20% of London's waste was the primary reason behind the government's extension of the life of Cory's landfill site until 2007. Once the site closes, the company hopes to continue to use the River Thames to take residual waste to a new recovery plant proposed for the borough of Bexley.