Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the announcement that Hammersmith Bridge has suddenly closed, said:
“Hammersmith and Fulham Council claim that the bridge has suddenly had to be closed due to safety concerns, yet the council has for many years arrogantly refused to publish any information about the structural state of the bridge. The council has not helped itself by being so secretive.
“Hammersmith and Fulham Council are also attempting to make cheap political points. They are seeking to blame national government when in reality Transport for London have long been committed to investing in repairing and strengthening the bridge.
“During the period that no action has been taken in repairing and strengthening the bridge the taxpayer has picked up a huge cost for wardens enforcing weight restrictions on the bridge – a detail that Hammersmith Council wishes to overlook.
“If both Hammersmith Council and TfL had simply worked together we would not be facing this serious situation.
“Sadly due to incompetence, secrecy and attempts to make cheap political points many people, and especially bus passengers, are now facing severe disruption.”