London Greens have talked of their “disappointment” that the London Assembly has refused to cancel the toxic Silvertown Tunnel.
Greens proposed cancelling the Silvertown Tunnel and introduce smart-charging for the Blackwall Tunnel – but were turned down by the London Assembly.
The Assembly heard how these plans would reduce traffic and pay for the costs incurred in cancelling Silvertown Tunnel construction by using payments from road users travelling through the Blackwall Tunnel.
Greens and Lib Dems voted to axe the Silvertown Tunnel and introduce a toll for the Blackwall Tunnel to limit air pollution, but Labour and Conservative Assembly members voted against the amendment.
Green Party London Assembly Member Sian Berry said:
“The Assembly had an opportunity to do the right thing here by cancelling the toxic Silvertown Road Tunnel.
The Blackwall Tunnel is an infamous spot for traffic jams and the perfect place to trial smart road user charging.
Not only can doing this achieve wider transport and climate goals more quickly, but it can also improve resilience and reduce congestion.
Cancelling this costly mistake is possible, is practical, and is far more affordable than carrying on.
I am disappointed that the Assembly could have compelled the Mayor to include it in his Budget and chose not to today.”