Why Are London Duck Tours Suspended?

By Robert Palmer

London Duck Tours have been a popular attraction among tourists and locals alike for many years. However, recently there has been news that these tours have been suspended.

So, what led to this decision? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the suspension of London Duck Tours.

The History of London Duck Tours

London Duck Tours started in 2001 with an aim to provide a unique sightseeing experience to visitors of London. These tours take place in amphibious vehicles, also known as ducks, which can travel on both land and water. The tour takes visitors through major landmarks in London such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament before splashing into the River Thames for a boat ride.

Why Have London Duck Tours Been Suspended?

The suspension of London Duck Tours came after an incident on September 29th, 2017 when one of their ducks caught fire on a busy road near the Houses of Parliament. The fire was caused by a mechanical fault which resulted in thick black smoke and flames coming out from under the hood.

This incident raised concerns about the safety of these vehicles and led to an investigation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Transport for London (TFL). The investigation found that the vehicles did not meet safety standards as they were not fitted with fire suppression systems or emergency exits.

As a result, TFL suspended the operating license for all duck vehicles until they could be modified to meet safety requirements. The company was given until January 2018 to comply with these regulations but failed to do so resulting in a further suspension of their license.

What is Being Done About It?

Since then, London Duck Tours has been working towards making modifications to their fleet to meet safety standards set by TFL. They have installed fire suppression systems and emergency exits on all their vehicles and are waiting for approval from TFL to resume their tours.

In conclusion, the suspension of London Duck Tours was a result of safety concerns raised after an incident in 2017. The company has taken steps to comply with safety regulations and is waiting for approval from TFL to resume their tours. While the suspension may have disappointed many visitors, safety should always be the top priority when it comes to any form of transportation.