On Apr 5, 9:44*pm, wrote:
The current boats are now over 45 years old, and must be coming
towards the end of their life. *What is going to happen to the derry,
will new boats be built, will it be replaced by a new bridge or
tunnel, or will it simply be closed?

I think there was some suggestion that when the new Thames Gateway
bridge opened, the Woolwich Ferry service would be withdrawn - so
perhaps in light of this there wasn't any particular long term
planning going on with regards to replacement ferries. However whilst
ex-Mayor Ken was keen on it, Mayor Boris however is not, and he has
decided not to pursue the project (I can't recall his pre-election
position on it, if indeed there was one) and so it's not going to
happen. At least, not any time soon - I can well imagine it
resurfacing in years to come.

I was never entirely sure what to think about the Thames Gateway
bridge - to simplify massively, on the one hand it would've helped to
connect up London better and provide improved access to areas that
feel a little stranded (in particular Thamesmead, somewhere that needs
a boost), on the other hand it would have encouraged car journeys -
even with dedicated bus and cycle lanes - and possibly led to some
considerable traffic congestion on the southern side around
Thamesmead, Plumstead and Woolwich.