The London Assembly today called on the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP to immediately provide funds to ensure the safety of Hammersmith Bridge and to erect a temporary pedestrian and cycle bridge.
The Assembly also reiterates its supports for the devolution of Vehicle Excise Duty to TfL to invest in maintaining the capitals road network.
Léonie Cooper AM, who proposed the motion said:
“The impact that the full closure of Hammersmith Bridge, due to safety concerns, has had on local residents cannot be overstated.
“Whilst the bridge does not fall under TfL’s remit, TfL has been working closely with Hammersmith and Fulham Council to push forward with the solution of installing a temporary bridge.
“It is positive to see the Government finally come on board and announce a new taskforce, but they must now urgently commit the funding needed, to prevent any further hold-ups.
“The Government must allow London to hold onto the £500 million of Vehicle Excise Duty it raises each year, to ensure that problems like this are dealt with as quickly as possible.”
The full text of the motion is:
“This Assembly notes the ongoing urgent safety concerns which have resulted in the full closure of Hammersmith Bridge, and the impact this is having, particularly on local residents.
This Assembly notes that despite not being Transport for London’s (TfL) responsibility, the Mayor has committed £25 million towards the investigation of the faults and the design costs for the restoration of the bridge and has been working with Hammersmith and Fulham council to progress the installation of a temporary bridge. Together with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, TfL submitted a bid to the government for the additional funding required, which was rejected. This Assembly also notes that London does not receive its fair share of road maintenance funding, with the approximate £500 million of Vehicle Excise Duty revenue raised in the capital, funding road maintenance outside of the city.
This Assembly welcomes that the Government are finally taking this issue seriously and are setting up a taskforce, working with TfL and Hammersmith and Fulham council to develop a solution for the bridge. Given that details are currently unclear with regards to funding the repairs required and for a temporary bridge, this Assembly calls on the Chair of the Assembly to write urgently to the Rt Hon. Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport and ask him to immediately provide the funds needed to ensure the future safety of Hammersmith Bridge and to erect a temporary pedestrian and cycle bridge forthwith. Furthermore, the Assembly reinstates its support for the London Finance Commission’s recommendation to allocate London’s share of Vehicle Excise Duty revenue to TfL to invest in maintaining the capital’s road network, and urges the Secretary of State to revisit the decision taken to remove this funding from London.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed by 14 votes for and 6 votes against.
- Léonie Cooper AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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