Transport Minister opposes cars being banned from Thames bridge and says toll is council's choice
| Published date | 08 April 2024 |
| Publication title | MyLondon (England) |
Hammersmith Bridge has been shut to motor vehicles since 2019, when micro-fractures were discovered in its pedestals. It has since been reopened to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic.
Earlier today April 8, the Government announced it is providing £2.9 million for a new cycle lane on the bridge. Hammersmith and Fulham installed a temporary lane in February, though this is due to be removed in the next month or so.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service LDRS, Mr Merriman said: "We're very pleased to be able to assist when it comes to the new cycling provisions. We saw that opportunity and we said that we would fund it and we look forward to that being opened in the time to come."
The closure of the bridge to motor vehicles means that drivers needing to cross the river must either use Putney Bridge to the east, or Chiswick Bridge to the west. Since the crossing has shut, the council has sunk more than £30m into maintaining it and preparing it for further works, with the Government also investing £13m.
Progress has stalled however, with the Government yet to approve a business case submitted by the local authority last year. Hammersmith and Fulham says it will need to introduce a toll if it is to fund its share of the estimated £250m bill, which the Government wants to split three ways between the council, Transport for London TfL and national taxpayers. Mr Merriman said it is down to the local authority as to how it pays for that cost, whether via a toll or other means.
Mr Merriman said: "Obviously the bridge is owned by Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council, so it's their bridge. We're working with the borough and the Transport for London team to find a longer term solution which will allow traffic to be able to utilise the bridge. And that’s currently a work in progress. But in the meantime we wanted to do our bit to allow those that can still use the bridge during this time to do so, and that’s where this cycling investment has come from."
Asked why the Government has yet to approve the council’s business case, Mr Merriman said he recognises it is a long process, though that it is being reviewed. "It's a very complex and...
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