Thames cable car given go-ahead

A map showing the planned cable car route - Transport for London

A planned cable car across the River Thames to link 2012 Olympic venues has been approved by Greenwich Council.

The cable car will connect Greenwich and the Royal Docks, carrying up to 2,500 passengers-an-hour.

It was designed to cut journey times between the O2 arena and the ExCel exhibition centre - both of which will host Olympic events.

Newham Council approved plans on 18 January. Proposals will now be put before the Greater London Authority.

The London Development Agency is contributing £1.21m to the cost of the project, which in December was estimated at a possible £40m.

The cable car was originally projected to cost £25m.

Greenwich council planning committee approved plans for the cable car on Thursday.

Council plans state the car will extend 1,100 metres over the River Thames from North Greenwich Peninsula to Royal Victoria Dock, 54.1 metres above water.

A Transport for London statement said: "The cable car is an exciting new proposal that would help address the need for more river crossings east of Tower Bridge.

"It will also provide a unique addition to the capital's transport network and offer spectacular views of London's iconic skyline."