373.Section 256 enables Transport for London to provide or secure the provision of such amenities and facilities as it considers would benefit persons using any waterway. Before commencing works in relation to waterway amenities or facilities, Transport for London must comply with any statutory requirement for a licence or consent. Where there is no requirement, consent must be obtained from any person who is under a duty to maintain the waterway to which the works relate.
374.Section 257 transfers the duty to provide a free ferry service (the Woolwich Ferry) across the Thames from the Secretary of State to Transport for London. Powers in Part XII of the Act will be used to transfer the property, rights and liabilities associated with the ferry from the Secretary of State. It will also allow the replacement of the Secretary of State’s power to make orders on the use of the ferry with byelaws made by Transport for London and allow for the orders and byelaws made by predecessor bodies to be treated as byelaws made by Transport for London.
375.Section 258 provides that where any landing places are transferred to LRT between 31 March 1999 and the coming into force of the section, rights and liabilities arising from the use of the landing places by vessels will also transfer to LRT.
Commentary on Sections Part Iv: Transport Chapter Xii: Water Transport