MD2229 Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf Crossing Proposal

1.1 A new pedestrian and cycle crossing is proposed to connect the Rotherhithe peninsula and Canary Wharf (“the Crossing”). As set out in the draft Mayor’s Transport Strategy 2017, the Mayor is supportive of the Crossing. TfL will undertake activities to progress and deliver the Crossing.

1.2 To date, TfL has been progressing these activities on the crossing as part of the Healthy Streets portfolio. Development funding was approved through the Programmes and Investment Committee of the TfL Board in March 2017 and updates on the project having been provided to the June 2017 and October 2017 meetings of the Committee.

1.3 It is now proposed that TfL undertakes all such activities that TfL considers necessary and desirable to progress, construct, deliver and subsequently maintain and operate the Crossing. Such activities to include but not be limited to the following:

• Undertaking the work necessary to progress the Crossing from initiation and feasibility through to selection of a preferred Crossing option to be progressed through the consents process.

• Promoting the preferred Crossing option through the relevant consents processes, including seeking powers pursuant to an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 and the subsequent delivery, operation and future maintenance of the Crossing in accordance with such order

• Carrying out the required engagement and negotiations to secure the necessary agreements in respect of the Crossing development, land, planning, consents, delivery, construction, maintenance and operation.

• Providing any required technical advice and support.

• Development and execution of the procurement and delivery methodology for the new Crossing.

1.4 TfL has a range of statutory functions and powers, set out within the GLA Act, which relate to the provision of public passenger transport services and facilities and incidental powers relating to this, and in relation to TfL’s status as a highway authority. However, it is considered appropriate for the Mayor to delegate his wider powers under sections 30 and 34 of the GLA Act to TfL in relation to the Crossing to ensure that TfL can deliver the full range of activities and structures that may be required for the delivery and future maintenance and operation of the proposed Crossing and apply for the comprehensive suite of consents.

1.5 As part of its business planning processes, TfL will fund the development of the project and submission of an application under the Transport and Works Act 1992. TfL has allocated funds towards these activities through the Healthy Streets portfolio. TfL is developing a funding strategy for the construction, operation and maintenance of the crossing.

1.6 This decision by the Mayor provides TfL with the powers to progress its work on the scheme. Any activities undertaken by TfL on the new crossing will be subject to TfL’s normal governance and decision making processes, including as required project approvals by the Programmes and Investment Committee to confirm that the project should proceed.

1.7 Further decisions or directions of the Mayor in relation to the Crossing may be required in due course.

2.1 The proposal in the Mayor’s draft Transport Strategy provides:

“New crossings for pedestrians and cyclists between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf [and others] can help to support growth in these areas and encourage more travel by active modes.”

2.2 The Crossing objectives and supporting rationale are presented in the table below to provide an overview of the Crossing and its purpose.

2.3 Whilst the Crossing will deliver transport benefits, there are also wider benefits relating to regeneration, amenity and growth, as identified in the ‘Background to Consultation Report’ published on TfL’s website . The Mayor is supportive of TfL progressing the Crossing due to its strong alignment with the draft Mayor’s Transport Strategy, which states “In central and inner London, new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists can help to connect local communities and encourage healthier lifestyles…New crossings for pedestrians and cyclists between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf [amongst others] can help to support growth in those areas and encourage more travel by active modes.”

3.1 Under s149 of the Equality Act 2010 (the Equality Act), as a public authority the Mayor/GLA must have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and any conduct that is prohibited by or under this Act; and to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. Protected characteristics under the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and marriage or civil partnership status (the duty in respect of this last characteristic is to eliminate unlawful discrimination only). The Mayor is referred to Appendix B which sets out the public sector equality duty in full.

3.2 The Crossing will open up opportunities for trips on foot and by bike, which are currently either reliant on the private car or public transport or subject to longer journey times due to the lack of proximate river crossings. In addition, the new crossing will enable alternative travel options for those living in Rotherhithe, such as access to the DLR, Elizabeth Line and bus services from Canary Wharf.

3.3 As part of the development of the Crossing early engagement has taken place with a range of stakeholders, including pedestrian, cycling, accessibility and disability groups and local residents. The Crossing is being developed to ensure it will be fully accessible to pedestrians and cyclists with restricted mobility, such as pedestrians in wheelchairs, those with pushchairs and those who have difficulty using steps. Work will continue as the Crossing develops to ensure it meets the needs of all users.

3.4 An equality and inclusion assessment for the Crossing will form part of development of the scheme and the application documents for a consent for the Crossing.

Key risks and issues

4.1 TfL will be responsible for progressing the crossing, including financing, contracting and procurement of required suppliers. This will be managed as any significant project at TfL, for example following TfL Commercial Strategy and Pathway project management processes.

4.2 Given the project is at an early stage of development, there are various risks that could materialise as the project is further developed. These could relate to engineering and design feasibility, consents, funding and other matters. TfL will ensure that sound project development and management techniques are applied and a risk management strategy is implemented to identify and mitigate the risks. It is worth noting that, should the project not proceed, the value from TfL’s initial development costs will not be realised.

4.3 Assurance and audit of the project will be carried out in accordance with TfL procedures including review by internal and external experts, and the Independent Investment Programme Advisory Group (IIPAG) at appropriate stages.

4.4 Regular updates will be provided and decisions referred to appropriate TfL governance levels including the Project Board, the Healthy Streets Portfolio Board and Programmes and Investment Committee of the TfL Board.

Links to Mayoral strategies and priorities

4.5 Explicit reference is made to the new Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing in ‘A City for All Londoners’, ‘Healthy Streets for London’ and the draft ‘Mayor’s Transport Strategy’.

4.6 The Crossing will also contribute towards the Mayoral objectives and policies set out in the London Plan. Policy 2.13 concerns the Opportunity areas (including Canada Water and Isle of Dogs) and the need for inclusive access, including by walking and cycling, and for public investment and intervention to achieve growth potential. The Crossing will also support achievement of the London Plan policy 6.1 concerning integration of transport and development, policy 6.9 concerning promoting cycling and policy 6.10 concerning promoting walking. In addition table 6.1 of the London Plan is entitled ‘Indicative list of Transport Schemes’ and lists ‘New walk/cycle Thames crossings’ with the following description ‘Including schemes in central London … and walk/cycle links to access Isle of Dogs from east and west’.

Impact assessment and consultation

4.7 As indicated in paragraph 3.3, a series of engagement sessions have been held by TfL with different groups and stakeholders to develop the proposals to date. In addition, an initial public consultation on a proposed Crossing commenced in November 2017 and closed in early January 2018, with a further public consultation planned on a single preferred option in summer 2018.

4.8 TfL has been consulted on the substance and effect of this delegation.

5.1 There are no direct financial consequences for the Greater London Authority arising from this proposal.

5.2 TfL has allocated initial funding for the development of the Crossing in its existing budget. Ensuring value for money will be a key consideration in the ongoing development of the Crossing which will be assessed in developing the business case.

5.3 As part of its business planning processes, TfL will fund the development of the project and submission of an application under the Transport and Works Act 1992. TfL has allocated funds towards these activities. TfL is developing a funding strategy for the construction, operation and maintenance of the crossing.

6.1 The proposed Crossing falls within the Mayor’s power in section 30 of the GLA Act to do anything which he considers will further the promotion of economic development, wealth creation, social development and the improvement of the environment in Greater London. Section 34 of the GLA Act allows the Mayor to do anything which is calculated to facilitate or is conducive or incidental to the exercise of any of his functions including those in section 30 (and includes activities to develop the Crossing).

6.2 In formulating the proposals in respect of which this decision is sought officers have complied with the GLA’s related statutory duties in sections 30 to 33 of the GLA Act to:

(a) pay due regard to the principle that there should be equality of opportunity for all people;

(b) consider how the proposals will affect the health of persons in Greater London, health inequalities between persons living in Greater London, the achievement of sustainable development in the United Kingdom and climate change and its consequences. Further, the Mayor must exercise the power in such a way as to promote improvement in these areas; and

(c) consult with bodies or persons the Authority considers appropriate.

6.3 Under the GLA’s duty in section 32 to consult in the context of this delegation, it considered that it was appropriate to consult TfL only.

6.4 The GLA is not incurring expenditure in doing anything which may be done by TfL as a result of this decision and is therefore in compliance with section 31(1) of the GLA Act.

6.5 Section 38 of the GLA Act provides that the Mayor may delegate the exercise of his section 30 and 34 powers to TfL.

6.6 The delegation must be in writing and is attached at Appendix A.

Appendix A: Mayoral Delegation to TfL

Appendix B: Public sector equality duty