GMB Urges TfL To Abandon New Thames Bridge Project

GMB union has urged Transport for London (TfL) to abandon its plans for a £100 million crossing over the River Thames.

The organisation is calling for no further taxpayer's monies being spent on the 'vanity' project as there is 'no demand' for a new bridge from local people.

The structure would span between Nine Elms and Pimlico, 350 yards from the existing Vauxhall Bridge.

GMB suggested the funds should be spent on new crossing further east of the Blackwall Tunnel.


Paul Maloney, GMB Regional Secretary, said: "What we have here are property developers attempting to dictate that up to £100m of very scarce public money be spent on a new crossing a few minutes away from the existing Vauxhall Bridge.

"Vauxhall Bridge already has two pedestrian footpaths and a two way two lane full width cycleway.  Unlike further east in London there is no demand from local people for a new Thames river crossing on the very good grounds that there is absolutely no need for it.

"It is a scandal that Wandsworth Council has already spent over £100,000 on this project at a time when they are cutting services and jobs and terms and conditions of employment."

(LM/MH)