Sorting out Rotherhithe Tunnel chaos – TfL pledge to take action

Action to address the wider traffic problems at the entrance to Rotherhithe Tunnel and its approaching roads have been promised by key officials at Transport for London (TfL) at a meeting held this week at City Hall, with Caroline Pidgeon AM, Simon Hughes MP and local Southwark councillors.

Following the enforcement on the 19th March of a width restriction (6 foot, 6 inches) on vehicles going through the tunnel there have been even greater traffic problems in the Rotherhithe area, with lengthy queues and severe congestion occurring throughout the first week of the width restriction ban. A key cause of the congestion was that drivers were very cautious about going through the concrete kerbs and vertical posts. Transport for London has already removed the vertical posts and has now agreed to see what else can be done to help explain the width restriction to drivers as well as to look at options for the approach roads to tackle long standing traffic problems in the area, including the poor design of the Rotherhithe roundabout.

Following the meeting Caroline Pidgeon AM, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group and chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee said:

“It is disappointing that TfL made mistakes in introducing the width restriction on vehicles going through the Rotherhithe Tunnel, especially when they had a whole year to get things right. However after a bad start they are now listening to local concerns.

“The removal of the vertical posts at the entrance to the tunnel has already helped, but it is vital that TfL now improves the signage as people approach the tunnel. They must also use all forms of media to ensure that van and lorry drivers as well as businesses in south east London are fully aware of the width restrictions before they even start their journeys.”

Wilma Nelson, Lib Dem Councillor for Rotherhithe ward, further commented:

“It is encouraging that TfL is finally engaging with people who know this area well. I am also pleased they have agreed to quickly report back to us on the further steps they will take to reduce congestion. I look forward to a follow up meeting with them in the next couple of months.

“Of course we should never forget that even before the width restriction came into force there were severe traffic problems in the Rotherhithe area and it is vital that these underlying problems are addressed as well. "

Simon Hughes MP, who also attended the meeting said:

“The Rotherhithe roundabout clearly needs to be improved and it is good news that TfL will fundamentally review this junction later this year. To really tackle the traffic problems in the area TfL also needs to make sure that the 24-hour bus lane is converted to a bus lane in peak hours only."