Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesperson, commenting on the Mayor’s announcement, about proposed East London river crossings, said:
“Having long supported and campaigned for the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf pedestrian and cycle bridge I am delighted that the Mayor is now committed to accelerating this project.
“This is London’s most needed river crossing. It will enable thousands of people to cross the Thames by bike or foot in a part of London where it practically impossible to do so at present.
“I cannot think of any other proposed river crossing that will deliver such huge benefits for so little public money. The bridge will also play a critical role in reducing pressure on the overcrowded Jubilee Line, especially between Surrey Docks and Canary Wharf.
“I also welcome the Mayor’s commitment to extending the DLR to Thamesmead and his pledge to assess the case for Barking to Riverside-Abbey Wood London Overground crossing.
“I am however disappointed that the Mayor is still obsessed with a new Silvertown Tunnel. However he attempts to tinker with this project it will ultimately generate huge amounts of more traffic on London’s roads and in the long term lead to more congestion and air pollution.
“Extending the Bakerloo Line into South East London is a far more important priority than building a new tunnel for road vehicles.”