Oxford City Council have installed the city’s first eco moorings in an attempt to reduce air pollution along Oxford’s waterways. A total of three electric bollards have been installed at the Aristotle Lane canal in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust.
The canal bollards are the first of their kind to be installed in the UK outside of London where they have previously been trialled in Camden and Islington. Each bollard contains two plugs, enabling up to six boats to connect to the electrical grid at any one time.
An estimated 140 boaters live on Oxford’s rivers and canals. Boaters normally use diesel engines, generators or log burners as a source of energy for heating and cooking. But these methods release emissions which are harmful for both humans and the environment.
Boaters are most at risk to the adverse effects of pollution since they are in close proximity to emissions over long periods of time. Wood burners are especially harmful, emitting particulates known as PM2.5. Long-term exposure to these particulates is linked to cardiovascular disease, and short-term exposure can exacerbate lung and heart conditions.
By providing clean electricity, the eco moorings aim to reduce boaters’ reliance on polluting energy sources, improving air quality on Oxford’s canals for boaters and members of the public.
Labour Councillor and Deputy Leader of the Council, Anna Railton, said: “it is fantastic that Oxford’s first eco-moorings are now here and ready to use. Many boaters have no other choice but to use wood-burning and diesel generators to keep warm, but this can be harmful to their health and that of their neighbours.”
The funding for the moorings, totalling £193,000, was awarded to the Council and the Canal & River Trust in 2023 as part of the Government’s annual Air Quality Grant.
Ros Daniels from the Canal & River Trust said: “While boats are a very minor contributor to overall air pollution when compared to road traffic and other sources of emissions, we recognise that they can have a localised impact on air quality; indeed, those most at risk from boat engine fumes are boaters themselves.
“These first eco moorings outside London are the start of a journey for boaters on the Oxford Canal towards reducing emissions. I am delighted that our charity has been able to work in partnership with Oxford City Council to deliver them in time for the busy summer season.”
Oxford City Council has a proven track record on improving air quality in the city, with air pollution in 2024 falling at a greater rate in Oxford compared to the national average.
