Hammersmith Bridge closed to road traffic in April, causing traffic jams in Chiswick and Putney and great inconvenience to many locals.
LBHF own the bridge but they blame TFL (Transport for London), whose job it is to maintain the bridge, for not providing the £40 million needed to fix it.
Right now there seems to be no plan, and no money, to fix the bridge. Which hasn't stopped the council putting up large banners declaring that LBHF are "restoring Hammersmith Bridge to full working order and to its Victorian splendour".
We asked Councillor Leslie Harcourt for a time estimate on when the bridge would re-open to road traffic, but he simply replied that "We have been in close conversation with Transport for London and have begun the first phase of the work to restore the bridge to full working order and bring it back to its former splendor. We don’t yet have a completion date."
Surely there are solutions? What about a toll bridge; the projected revenues from which could fund a bond issue to raise the money. Or, as we have always argued, LBHF could sell their art collection, which isn't on display, and just gathers dust at public expense.
If you'd like to offer a view, come along on Tuesday 18 June 7pm in the Small Hall at LBHF Town Hall.
Toll bridges can work or Nexus cards for daily users eg Niagara Falls from Canada to US. As for commercial vehicles again Nexus card for daily users. Copenhagen has a bicycle bridge connection BUT you need to know who the frequent users are, who need to reach the other side. Too many cars maybe more bikes & scooters
ReplyDeleteWilliam Morris, News from Nowhere in the 19thc implied the use of ferries to cross the river so update to London Transport providing commuter access to both sides for daily users & daily Commercial users with a toll paid by LBHF, much like TV licence until bridge is repaired as Infrastructure upgrades. Loosen the purse strings & get your local MP to get a signed petition that he presents as 40 million needed now & yes start selling that archive which is gathering dust at LBHF. I guess its an upgrade similar to the toll one needs to get into the Central London at Marble Arch etc. Local Borough Councils are only effective when they challenge the Govt Ministries & London Transport to address their responsiblity to go local across Greater London. Infrastructure upgrades are a priority, including transportation connections. Good luck if Westminster is too busy right now to decide its own agenda.
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