Press release
New river crossings in London will create more congestion
29 October 2012
Plans for a new river crossing and road tunnel will create more congestion and pollution, Friends of the Earth said today as the Campaign for Better Transport launches a new report highlighting scores of damaging road-building proposals across the country. A Transport for London's public consultation into the Thames vehicle crossings starts on Monday (29 October 2012).
Friends of the Earth's London Campaigner Jenny Bates, said:
"We simply can't build our way out of our traffic problems - a new road tunnel and car ferry across the Thames will lead to more congestion, more noise and more air pollution.
"A world class city like London deserves a modern, clean and efficient transport system - not these outdated and damaging proposals.
"The Government and the Mayor of London must do more to encourage people to use alternatives to the car by investing in better public transport and making it safer and easier for people to walk and cycle in the capital."
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. Please see a copy of the report by Campaign for Better Transport.
2. The consultation is set to start on Monday 29 October and will run until Friday 1 February 2013. The Silvertown Link is being proposed as a four-lane road tunnel close to Blackwall Tunnel and a vehicle ferry is being planned for Gallions Reach, the site of the previously scrapped Thames Gateway road bridge. For more information about the consultation please see www.tfl.gov.uk/rivercrossings.
3. Transport for London had a previous 'initial' consultation on these schemes in the spring - see Friends of the Earth's objections to the plans, including on air pollution grounds.( EU limits are already exceeded around both ends of both schemes).
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Oct 2012
