Friends of the Earth: England: London: Campaigns

Road transport in London

Thames Gateway Bridge

The Thames Gateway bridge would increase traffic and pollution and make conditions worse for walking and cycling.

If the bridge were built, it would bring tens of thousands more cars and trucks a day to the area, increasing pollution and congestion.
Illustration from Friends of the Earth leaflet

We believe that there are better ways of improving access for local people.

In particular, regeneration and development of the Thames Gateway should look at:

Barriers to employment
Lack of transport is not the only a barrier to getting a job.
Improving existing transport
By making it affordable, reliable and safe.
Providing transport for local needs
Only 1 in 3 of people living closest to the bridge are car owners, yet most of the benefit will be for road users.

We took our concerns about the scheme to a public inquiry.

The Inspector’s report following the public inquiry, was published on 25th July, 2007.

The Inspector recommended that planning application for the scheme be refused.

But instead of following the Inspector's recommendations, the Government announced that it would re-open the public inquiry into the scheme.

We will continue to monitor developments and work with communities on both sides of the Thames who do not see the bridge as the "local crossing" it is claimed to be.

More Information

Read the Inspector's report (PDF†) and the Government's response (PDF†)
Read our press release on the Inspector's report.
Find out the latest news on the re-opening of the public inquiry
Read Friends of the Earth's views (PDF† - 101K) on the scheme.

Next: More issues in London >

†To view PDF files you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Visually impaired users can get extra help with these documents from access.adobe.com.

Last modified:
Menu: June 2008
Content: Apr 2007