The Docks in the Twentieth Century
The PLA (Port of London Authority)
The Royal Commission decided that co-ordinated control of the port was necessary if efficiency was to be improved. It recommended that a single public authority should be set up.
In 1909 the Port of London Authority (PLA) took over the docks from the private companies. It was run by a board made up of representatives of the private and public users of the port.
As well as running the docks, the PLA had overall control of the river from Teddington to the sea and was responsible for managing the river, river traffic, pollution and so on.
A PLA police force replaced the private company forces. The main source of its income came from charges on all ships using the port and on goods passing through the port; also from handling and storing cargoes which passed over the dock quays.
Any profits were to be used to improve the river and part facilities.
It did not acquire the wharves which were left in private hands. The free-water clause remained but lighters had to pay a registration fee to the PLA.
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1. Trade of the Port of London (shipping) 1909 - 1957
2. Trade of the Port of London (goods) 1930 - 1957
Year Millions of tons
1960 57.1
1962 57.1
1964 61.6
1966 59.0
1968 60.1
1970 59.5
3. Total of good passing through the Port of London 1960 - 1970
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Contact
Nigel Sagar
Design and Technology
London Borough of Barking
and Dagenham
Email: nigel.sagar@lbbd.gov.uk
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