The amount of freight handled on the Thames rose significantly over the last twelve months.

Figures released by the Port of London Authority (PLA) showed traffic increased by 62 per cent to 5.3 million tonnes last year, a rise of two million tonnes compared to 2012. Officials stated the majority of this was down to the Crossrail project, which was largely responsible for 1.8 million tonnes of waste material.

The statistics showed freight traffic on the Thames has now trebled over the past four years. In addition, the river carried over a quarter of a million lorry loads of materials last year, which was said to be good for the environment in terms of noise and pollution.

Deputy mayor of London for transport Isabel Dedring commented: "With record numbers of passengers travelling on the river, it is fantastic that freight it also at an all-time high and contributing to a reduction in congestion on our roads."

Meanwhile, the Thames is set to support more major infrastructure schemes, such as the extension of the Northern Line at Battersea.