Glass barriers could be built along a stretch of the River Thames to prevent catastrophic flooding in London after thunderstorms caused flooding across the capital last week.
The protective one-metre wall, made of glass to avoid blocking light, is an emergency measure to prevent major property damage and loss of life in the case of future flooding.
They would be placed on top of existing river walls to guard against floods caused by rising sea levels, with many of the existing walls and embankments in need of raising or replacement in the next 20 years or so.
The plan are being drawn up as experts warn of the threat to life from flash floods and rivers bursting their banks as sea levels rise.
Options are being considered on how to improve the protective barriers along a 1.5-mile stretch including a glass parapet on top of the existing defences, raising them, “demountable” barriers, flood and storm tide gates, or “self-activated” barriers triggered by rising floodwaters.
This comes after flooding hit large parts of south London last week, with sudden downpours shutting down tube stations and causing traffic chaos.
The Environment Secretary George Eustice told the Evening Standard: “The flooding in London, along with the terrible scenes in Germany, Belgium, China and India, is a dramatic reminder of the more extreme weather that climate change is already bringing.
"We are standing by communities and bolstering defences with record investment, with more than £54 million being spent in London this year alone. This investment will support the delivery of more than 50 flood schemes to tackle all forms of flooding.'
As climate change brings the increased likelihood of adverse weather events, sudden downpours could become more frequent and more intense.
The Thames Barrier, which protects against tidal surges from the North Sea, is currently London's best flood defence, but sea levels are predicted to ride by one metre by 2100.
The City of London Corporation is running a public consultation on riverside strategy, so you can have your say here.
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