East London needs a new bridge

Why east London needs a new bridge

Why east London needs a new bridge

Why east London needs a new bridge

A campaign for a new road bridge in east London was launched today by the London Chamber of Commerce.

It comes six years after the Mayor of London shelved the Thames Gateway bridge plans, leaving the Blackwall tunnel, the Woolwich ferry and the cable car crossing to North Greenwich as the only river crossings east of Tower Bridge. By contrast there are 22 bridges to the west.

"East of Tower Bridge is a massive chasm," said shadow infastructure minister and former transport secretary Lord Adonis, attending the launch event at the University of East London.

"This is a no brainer in policy terms," he said. "We should just get on and do it."

His comments were echoed by Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham. "Yet again we have to fight for something that should be here," he said, citing previous successful campaigns to improve transport links at Stratford.

The above video was screened to the assembled stakeholders and press. For more information, visit: londonchamber.co.uk/bridgeeastlondon

Video script

East London needs a new bridge.

Declan Collier, CEO, London City Airport:
"For London City Airport this new bridge is crucial to allow us to develop the airport for the benefit not just of east London but of London as a whole."

  • London is expanding East
  • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
  • Canary Wharf
  • Westfield Stratford City
  • The O2

However poor road links are hindering growth.

Howard Dawber, Strategic Advisor, Canary Wharf Group plc:
"Most of the big regeneration projects in East London are north of the river. Canary Wharf for example which is planned to double in size over the next fifteen years. I think we need to help the people and particularly the small businesses in south-east London get access to this development and new opportunity on the north side of the river."

  • East London needs a new bridge connecting north and south.
  • Why?
  • For further regeneration.
  • To guarantee a lasting Olympic legacy.
  • To cut congestion to help businesses grow.
  • And create new jobs.

Natalie Chapman, London Freight Transport Association, Head of Policy:
"It costs about a pound a minute to operate a lorry. So being stuck in congestion is simply bad for business and improved connectivity is needed for east London to grow and thrive."

  • Help us grow east
  • Help us grow London

londonchamber.co.uk/bridgeeastlondon