The London Assembly today agreed a motion supporting plans for a new Diamond Jubilee Bridge over the Thames, which will serve as a pedestrian and cycle crossing between Battersea and Fulham.
With significant public support for the scheme already, the Assembly called on the Mayor to make representations to the government for financial support and appoint Transport for London as the delivery agent to help it progress.
Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the motion said:
The Diamond Jubilee Bridge project is a community-led initiative that enjoys huge popular support on both sides of the river and I am delighted to table a motion in support of it. This new link between Battersea and Fulham could encourage more cycling and walking and reduce pressure on cross-river public transport. The Mayor should be supporting this crucial new piece of transport infrastructure and the way to do that is by asking TfL to deliver it.
The full text of the Motion is:
This Assembly notes proposals for a Diamond Jubilee Bridge, a pedestrian and cycle crossing between Battersea and Fulham, for which planning permission and Mayoral consent have been granted.
The Assembly notes that a crossing in this location could encourage more walking and cycling, reduce overcrowding on cross-river bus services and, by providing a link from Battersea to Imperial Wharf station, could reduce pressure on Clapham Junction station.
The Assembly acknowledges the significant public support for the scheme and the absence of any ongoing liability. Transport for London is working with Wandsworth Council to assess the costs and benefits, and to explore opportunities to secure the outstanding funding needed.
The Assembly calls on the Mayor to appoint TfL as the delivery agent and to make representations to the government for financial support or underwriting to help the scheme progress, providing the economic case is confirmed.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed by 6 votes for and 0 against.
- Caroline Russell AM who proposed the motion is available for interviews. Please see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Ben Walker on 020 7983 5769. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.