Plans for new Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing doesn't include cars
Consultation is now underway on a new crossing in east London, providing a dedicated pedestrian and cycling route across the Thames.
Despite desperation from London motorists no extra crossing will be made available to motorised vehicles. Commercial vehicles are lined up in heavy daily traffic, choking on their own exhaust fumes and costing the economy millions in lost time. There was a hope that London's road surface leaders would help to get London moving again. The wait seemingly continues unless you're prepared to travel to Gravesend to beat the ever-growing traffic
Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL said "This new crossing is envisioned to be a fantastic addition to London and provide a valuable and accessible link to new and proposed walking and cycling routes on both sides of the river"
The proposal forms part of the Mayor's wider package of river crossings and new walking and cycling infrastructure in east London set out in his Manifesto and draft Transport Strategy. It could see a new much-needed river crossing linking thousands of people directly between Canada Water and Canary Wharf, and supporting new jobs and homes in the area. The crossing would link into existing and planned cycle routes on both sides of the river. With a dedicated walking and cycling bridge being TfL's preferred option, it would directly encourage more people to cycle and walk in the local area, supporting the Mayor's aim for 80%t of Londoners' trips to be on foot, by cycle or by public transport by 2041. TfL's recently published Strategic Cycling Analysis showed how the route from Peckham, through Rotherhithe and across the river to Canary Wharf and Hackney, should be looked at in more detail to help encourage more cycling. The latest modelling by TfL suggests that, with future growth and development in the local area, by 2031 more than two million pedestrian and cyclist journey every year are expected to be made using the bridge. This could increase further if walking and cycling improvements are delivered across the wider area.
Clare Wadd, Chair of the Ramblers Inner London Area, said: "The Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf Crossing will be an exciting addition to London's walking routes, connecting communities and enabling people to easily enjoy The Thames Path on both banks."
Unfortunately no one from any transport or commercial group were able to quote on the new proposals put forward.