Business leaders urge for more river crossings

By Rob Virtue on April 10, 2012 11:59 AM |

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New river crossings to the east of the capital are essential for the economic development of the area, according to businesses in Docklands.

A consultation over the proposals for a tunnel at Silvertown and a ferry service at Gallions Reach closed last month and Transport for London has until June to put together a report on the plans.

One of those that responded was the London of Chamber of Commerce and Industry following a survey which said 51 per cent of businesses believed the new links would be important to the future success of the capital.

That percentage was higher in east London and Janette Withy, chairman of Docklands Business Club, part of the LCCI, said the group overwhelmingly supported both crossings.

She said: "We are desperately in need of at least one new river crossing in this part of the city. Current capacity is simply not sufficient and it is essential for the continued economic growth here that transport infrastructure investment continues.

"We recognise the economic environment makes funding projects more challenging but the importance of new river crossings to economic development is such that finding viable, sustainable funding methods will be essential."

The report by TfL will go to the London Assembly which will make a final decision on the plans.

The tunnel is due to run between the Greenwich Peninsula and Silvertown and could be open by 2021.

Meanwhile, Gallions Reach ferry would replace the 50-year-old Woolwich ferry and could be running by 2017.