According to a report published last week by Transport for London (TfL), the predicted cost of building a new link between Thamesmead and Beckton has now increased. London Green Party Assembly Member, Darren Johnson AM, has criticised the proposals and called on TfL to retain the existing Woolwich Ferry service, instead, and replace the ferry when it comes to the end of its natural life.
TfL’s 2012 business plan predicted costs of £132m up to 2019/20 for a crossing at Gallions Reach. However, in last week’s ‘Responses to Issues Raised’ document this total has now hit £150m. It was also revealed that this figure does not include the cost of new roads which would need to be built to connect the crossing to the existing road network.
TfL intends to hold another phase of consultation this autumn on options for replacing the Woolwich ferry, including the options recently consulted on. A final decision on the future of the Woolwich ferry will then be made in summer 2014.
Darren commented,
“The last phase of TfL’s river crossings consultation revealed that a majority of Greenwich and Bexley residents support a replacement ferry at Woolwich. The service is valued by locals and the supporting infrastructure is already in place.
“It would be crazy for the Mayor and TfL to push for a Gallions Reach crossing which would require more hugely expensive new roads to be built and would generate more pollution and more traffic in one of the dirtiest parts of London.
“As the next phase of consultation gets underway in the coming months, I would urge all Londoners to voice their support for keeping the Woolwich ferry – whether they use the service on foot, by bike or in a vehicle – and tell the Mayor that costly new road crossings are not needed.”