Thames Gateway: A bridge too far... |
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Friends of the Earth is running a campaign in the Thames Gateway London region to steer the development there towards sustainable regeneration - that which improves the quality of life for people in the local area. Proposals to build a new six-lane bridge across the Thames between Greenwich and Beckton in East London are being fought by Friends of the Earth. Transport for London (TfL), the schemes promoters, admit that the new bridge would generate extra traffic and bring more air pollution and noise to the area. Friends of the Earth say these impacts are unacceptable, and that the scheme should be abandoned. TfL and proponents of the scheme - who include Mayor Livingston - argue that building the bridge would improve accessibility (and hence create new jobs) and is necessary for local regeneration and the Thames Gateway area. Friends of the Earth believes that there are better ways to improve access to jobs and regenerate the area, but alternative schemes have not been put forward. A Public Inquiry into the Thames Gateway bridge (TGB) has been called by the Government following fierce opposition to the scheme. The inquiry reopens on 13 September 2005 at Charlton Athletic Football ground, after a summer recess, when opponents to the scheme will make their case. Objectors will be aided by evidence from a team of leading academics and consultants. More Information For information on Friends of the Earth's views on the scheme, see our briefing (PDF†). You can view Transport for London's (TfL's) Environmental Statement on their website. The Public Inquiry website has a programme for the Inquiry, daily transcripts of proceedings, and a documents section with TfL's as well as supporters' and objectors' proofs of evidence. Friends of the Earth has prepared some further information on how to view documents about the bridge (on websites and in person), and how to object to the scheme. For any further information, please contact Jenny Bates, Friends of the Earth Campaigns Co-ordinator, on 020 7566 1633.
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