London boroughs call for fixed river crossings

Residents living in Greenwich and Newham could benefit from the installation of two new fixed river crossings if a campaign being launched by both borough councils is successful.

The Royal borough of Greenwich and Newham Council are calling for the building of a tunnel between Greenwich Peninsula and Silvertown to relieve traffic congestion through the Blackwall Tunnel and support the development of the Royal Docks.

They also want to see the creation of a bridge at Gallions Reach between Beckton and Thamesmead to boost accessibility to more than 40 sites on either side of the River Thames.

Both councils claim the crossings would provide a substantial economic boost to their areas by creating and sustaining jobs and encouraging investment in both boroughs.

They could also be good news for the property markets in these areas, as improved infrastructure could make property to rent in Greenwich and Newham even more attractive to potential tenants.

In addition, the crossings could have benefits for the UK economy as a whole, since London is expanding eastwards and needs the infrastructure in place to support this growth.

The authorities point out that there are a total of 25 crossings along the stretch of river between Central London and the M25 to the west, while to the east from Tower Bridge to Dartford there are only two.

Transport for London is currently consulting on proposals for a new vehicle ferry running between Thamesmead and Beckton to address this issue.

However, Chris Roberts, leader of the Royal borough of Greenwich, insists this "quick-fix" solution is not the answer.

"New river crossings are vital for this part of London and we need a viable, long-term solution. For far too long we have put up with congestion, pollution and this barrier to growth."

He added: "The people of South-East London have been short-changed for too long while we wait for this issue to be addressed and properly solved."

Posted by Charles Mackay
 

Published 4th January, 2013

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