Rumours pollution on the River Thames by Richmond Bridge was caused by a Virgin Media marketing stunt have been quashed.
A specially modified black cab was driven across the river on Monday, September 22, to mark the launch of Virgin Media Business’s free cab service for small and medium-sized businesses.
Residents reported visible pollution and an absence of wildlife in the area last weekend and blamed Virgin’s publicity stunt.
But prior to the marketing tactic, a cabin cruiser, the Earnest Endeavour, sank nearby, causing a small amount of diesel to leak into the river.
A Port of London Authority spokesman said: “There is no connection whatsoever between Virgin’s amphibious vehicle and the pollution.
“What people are seeing is a relatively small amount of diesel that inevitably ends up in the water when a boat sinks.
Fortunately, diesel evaporates quickly so the effects shouldn’t last long.”
A Virgin Media Business spokesman also confirmed there was no link between their stunt and the diesel leak.
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