TfL to plough on with Silvertown Tunnel despite widespread opposition

Transport for London (TfL) have stated that they are absolutely committed to building the Silvertown Tunnel, despite opposition from local politicians and campaigners.
In a joint letter to TfL commissioner Mike Brown, Hackney Mayor Philip Glanville, along with Councillor Jon Burke, Cabinet Minister for Transport, voiced their concerns about the project.
Despite the Town Hall voting through a motion against the tunnel in 2015, the letter reiterates the council’s opposition to the project.
Mayor Glanville and Cllr Burke said in the letter: “Hackney, alongside our neighbouring boroughs, has consistently voiced our objections to this proposal, we have serious concerns that the Silvertown tunnel will worsen air quality and attract extra traffic to Hackney.
“We urge you to rethink these plans and use the £1 billion saved to invest in more sustainable forms of transport, including upgrading cycling infrastructure in Hackney and acrtoss London.”
Stop The Silvertown Tunnel Coalition (STSTC), a cross-party and Extinction Rebellion alliance, petitioned City Hall to rethink the project and look at more sustainable alternatives last May. TfL have stated that East London is in need of more river crossings.
Around 100,000 vehicles use the Blackwall Tunnel, which is toll-free, however once the Silvertown Tunnel opens drivers will be required to pay a charge for using the tunnel.
The Hackney Citizen reported that a TfL spokesperson said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring that the project is delivered with minimal impact to local residents."
Image Source: TfL.Gov