Boris backs case for new river crossings

However, opponents say the Mayor would have saved time and money by approving the Thames Gateway Bridge proposal which he dismissed earlier this year.

Baroness Jo Valentine, chief executive of business lobby, London First, said: "Unfortunately the report implies a wait of over a decade until any of the options can materialise and little prospect of attracting Government funding.

"How frustrating, when the now out-of-fashion proposed Thames Gateway Bridge had PFI funding and could have been constructed much sooner."

Labour's John Biggs, Greater London Assembly member for City and East, and long-time supporter of the Thames Gateway Bridge, said: "I'm disappointed it's taken the

Mayor a year delay to reach more or less the same conclusion we reached before."

Mayor Johnson turned down the Thames Gateway Project, planned to link Beckton with Thamesmead, due to opposition from Bexley Council.

TfL's latest review looks at alternatives to the bridge, aiming to tackle transport congestion near the Blackwall Tunnel, the Isle of Dogs and Greenwich, as well as improving cross-river access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Mayor Johnson said: "Anyone that has ever tried to cross the Thames in East London is aware of the lack of crossings and the congestion this causes.

"The residents and businesses in this part of London deserve better and I am determined to deliver the improvements they require.

"This report makes a series of sensible recommendations that we will now dig deeper into and that I will consider as I put together my transport strategy for the capital."

An improved ferry crossing at Woolwich and a new ferry service at Gallions Reach have also been proposed in the report and were supported by both Mr Biggs and Baroness Shawcross.

But Mr Biggs added road crossings, with east London heavily over-reliant on the Blackwall Tunnel, should be a priority.

He said: "In the past 20 years we've built rail crossings with the Jubilee line and DLR, and there's Crossrail on the way.

"We need two road crossings. Silvertown and another where the Thames Gateway Bridge was to go."

A Canary Wharf Group spokesman said: "Improved transport is essential to the future prosperity of east London.

"Better river crossings will help regeneration and improve access for people and businesses south of the river to the array of shops, offices, parks and restaurants at Canary Wharf."

The proposals

- North Greenwich to Canary Wharf foot/cycle bridge
Plus: Supported by Canary Wharf Group and AEG, it is proposed to reduce demand on the Jubilee line.
Minus: Because of the length of the stretch of water, it would have to be 50m high, as it would be non-lifting.

- North Greenwich to Canary Wharf passenger ferry
Plus: Bikes can go on it and service can be increased if Jubilee line suspended or events are held.
Minus: New piers would be needed, as well as better pedestrian links.

- North Greenwich to East India DLR passenger ferry
Plus: Could link O2 to DLR when Jubilee line is suspended.
Minus: Unlikely to be a substitute for direct crossing to Canary Wharf due to need to change on DLR.

- Silvertown Crossing
Plus: Provide relief for Blackwall Tunnel.
Minus: Tunnel would prove expensive but complexity of bridge would also make costs high - around £300million.

- Woolwich Ferry upgrade
Plus: Investment would see new boats and greater capacity.
Minus: Toll system could be brought in to pay for it.

- Gallions Reach Ferry
Plus: It would be for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Minus: Fixed link preferred.