Barrier keeps water levels at bay

The Thames Barrier protects 45 sq miles of the city at risk of flooding

The Thames Barrier will continue to protect London until the end of the century despite rising water levels, according to experts.

First used in 1983, it is being raised more frequently and by 2030 will be closed about 30 times a year, the Environment Agency (EA) said.

But the EA said its suggested safe limit of operation was 70 times a year.

The barrier, built in 1982, protects 45 sq miles of the city which is at risk of flooding.

Societal changes

In that area are £80 billion of capital assets, 400 schools, 16 hospitals, dozens of underground and mainline stations and the homes or workplaces of 1.25m people.

Experts said climate change, which affected sea levels, surges and weather patterns, would have an impact on managing flooding, as would societal changes such as London's population spreading east.

But the EA's Sarah Lavery said: "The Thames Barrier will continue to provide protection, with some adaptation, to the end of the century."

No major upgrade or new project would be needed before 2030.