Greenwich: "We can build the Gallions Reach bridge"
The proposed bridge at Gallions Reach could be paid for by councils if Transport for London drags its feet on the issue.
Greenwich Borough is so adamant the link between Thamesmead and the Royal Docks should be built it has said it and its cross river counterparts Newham could do it.
It said it will ask for Mayor Boris Johnson to give it the power to go ahead with the bridge if TfL decides it cannot construct it within the next 18 years.
TfL recently ran a consultation over both the Gallions Reach and Silvertown crossings.
In its submission to the consultation, Greenwich wrote: "The Royal Borough does not accept that a new fixed crossing at Gallions Reach could not be constructed before 2031.
"If TfL is unable to deliver a fixed crossing sooner than 2031 the Mayor should use the powers provided by the GLA Act 1999 (as amended by the GLA Act 2007) to delegate authority to the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Newham Council so as to facilitate that."
The consultation document was disclosed by Greenwich-based 853 Blog on Tuesday morning. In it, the council also said it accepted tolling would be necessary to fund the crossings.
The latest news is a boost to supporters of a bridge crossing in this region.
However, concerns continue over a road being put through Oxleas Wood to facilitate the crossing.
Bexley Council is strongly against the bridge on environmental grounds.
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