London River Services (LRS) has appointed a firm of specialist engineering consultants to improve capacity at three piers in central London.

Beckett Rankine will perform three-month design studies to find options for Bankside, Embankment and Westminster piers. LRS is aiming to upgrade berthing capabilities as part of the project.

Transport for London wants to increase passenger volumes on the river, with a goal of 12 million people per year by 2020 as part of its River Action Plan.

General manager for LRS said: "We've seen record numbers of passengers using our busiest piers this summer, giving a clear and encouraging demonstration of the need to expand capacity to be able to cater for future continued growth."

The River Action Plan will also aim to improve passenger information through working with boat operators and other partners. More sailings have already been added, including extended services at Canary Wharf's river bus route running between Putney and Blackfriars.