Council declares its support for a ferry service in advance of latest river crossings consultation
22 October 2012
London Borough of Bexley has restated its support for a new ferry service at Gallions Reach, Thamesmead, rather than the option of a bridge or tunnel, as Transport for London prepares to launch a second public consultation on new river crossings at the end of this month.
The Mayor of London is looking to develop his preferred river crossings package, on which he consulted earlier this year, for a tunnel at Silvertown, to relieve the Blackwall Tunnel, and a ferry linking Thamesmead and Beckton.
Bexley and other local campaigners conducted a lengthy campaign against previous plans for a Thames Gateway Bridge, because of serious concerns about its impact on traffic and regeneration in the borough. Large numbers of residents protested against the Bridge, in a popular campaign which saw many display 'Say no to the bridge' posters in their windows. Boris Johnson scrapped the plans for a bridge following his election as Mayor of London in 2008.
Cllr Gareth Bacon, the Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment and Public Realm said: "We support the Mayor of London's proposal for the tunnel at Silvertown and the ferry at Gallions Reach. If they go ahead, they will improve communications and stimulate the economy in east London at reasonable cost and without the risk of generating an unmanageable increase in traffic on our roads.
The Council will be writing to all residents and businesses in the affected area to explain its position and to encourage them to take part in the consultation.
Cllr Gareth Bacon went on to say: "We feel it is vital that residents make clear to Transport for London their continuing opposition to a bridge at Galleons Reach. In the current challenging economic conditions, a ferry is a more realistic possibility and something that could be in service much more quickly."
The consultation is set to start on Monday 29 October and will run until 1 February next year.
Three drop-in sessions are planned for people living and working in Bexley -
Saturday 17 November 10am - 4pm - Abbey Wood Community Centre
Monday 26 November 3pm - 6.30pm - Thamesmead Library
Thursday 6 December 3pm - 8pm - Broadway Shopping Centre
Further details of the consultation are available from the right hand link.
