Bring back Blackwall contraflow, urge campaigners
CAMPAIGNERS are urging the Mayor of London to push on with reinstalling the contraflow system at the Blackwall Tunnel.
The controversial system was banned by previous mayor Ken Livingstone, but Boris Johnson, who won power earlier this year, made an election pledge to reintroduce it in order to ease congestion.
However, earlier this month he released his 10-year transport plan, which included no mention of the tunnel, causing speculation he would abandon the idea.
Roger Lawson, of the Association of British Drivers, said: “It was one of his manifesto commitments and if he doesn’t go through with it then we will be asking why. It’s is very frustrating for ordinary road users.�
The system the Mayor wants to bring back would see three lanes heading in one direction and one lane in the other during busy times.
Those against the contraflow system argue it is dangerous for road users as it increases the risk of a collision.
It has been suggested the lack of any decision could be down to concerns over legal liability in the case of an accident.
However, Mr Lawson said this should not be the case.
He said: “This reasoning is ridiculous because local authorities are immune to that kind of liability. If they change something about a road and if an accident happens, the chances of a councillor or council officer being liable is negligible and the authority is immune.
“The local authority has the right to change the road layout. It would have to be proven that they acted with malice or gross negligence.�
Mr Lawson also said the record of accidents in the tunnel during contraflow was better than the record on roads leading up to the tunnel.
A spokesman for the Mayor admitted there were some issues which needed to be dealt with.
He said: “The Mayor has said from the outset he would like to restore contraflow in order to ease traffic flow.
“He is aware there are a number of difficult issues to be resolved and has asked Transport for London to report back to him before he proceeds.�
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we as drivers flocking from south to north have suffered for long enough. the evidence of collisions is available on you tube which shows footage from a nearby cctv traffic camera mounted on the tower block opposite, that shows the tidal flow in action.
yes there is an infringement of the barrier with a lorry entering into the path of oncoming traffic but a collision was easily avoided as both drivers took the necessary action to avoid this.
it was the impatient lorry driver who illegally entered the lane by driving around the barrier that was in position to stop traffic flowing into that lane.
all it needs are active digital signage, better barrier control,some intelligence on the drivers part. and more dilligence from the tunnel operatives in the tunnel command center.
also, check this site out:
http://www.freedomfordrivers.org/Tidal_Flow_in_Blackwall_Tunnel_Ended.pdf
please se sense and i wont have to get at 5 am anymore to get to work by 8am.
regards,
les.