London’s first canal taxi service was launched over the weekend on the Regent’s Canal in Little Venice.

The fleet of 10 paddle-powered open kayaks have been licensed by British Waterways to operate on the Regents Canal and Grand Union Canal on a seasonal basis, between April and October, seven days a week.

Thames River Adventures, the company behind the scheme, is keen to encourage ‘green’ travel and encourage passengers to relax while they soak up historic information, known as ‘Canowledge’, as they paddle the canals at up to 4mph.