A Transport for London consultation on new river crossings in east London, which closes this week, is far too centred around motorists and completely overlooks the need for significant improvements in public transport in south east London, is the key message made by Caroline Pidgeon AM, in the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group’s consultation response.
In responding to the consultation Caroline Pidgeon advocates:
- Retaining and updating the Woolwich ferry, ensuring it remains free and that it runs for longer hours every day of the week including on Sundays
- Supporting new public transport crossings over the Thames including the London Overground crossing the Thames from Barking Riverside
- Construction of a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists linking Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf as long advocated by Sustrans
- Transport for London taking over the running of both the Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels which have a legacy of being incredibly badly managed by Greenwich Council
- Making the Thames cable car accessible for daily users, and not running it just as a tourist attraction
- Improving river crossings, including a new pier at Convoys Wharf in Lewisham
Setting out her criticisms of the proposals being made by the Mayor and Transport for London, Caroline Pidgeon said:
“Sadly Transport for London, under the direction of the Mayor of London, are overlooking the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users in east London.
“The whole consultation process is fundamentally flawed as it puts the needs of motorists before anything else.
“We need to make it easier to walk and cycle across the Thames and we desperately need to improve public transport in large parts of south east London.
“Funding for these initiatives and tackling air pollution in east London must instead be the top priority.”