Maintenance, governance and ownership of London crossings needs invest

The maintenance of major tunnels, bridges and structures in London needs to be scrutinised, in order to avoid another Hammersmith Bridge saga.

The London Assembly has today called for an investigation into the ownership of London’s tunnels and bridges.

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, who proposed the amended motion said:

“London can never again face the fiasco that has occurred over Hammersmith Bridge and important lessons now need to be learnt.

We need to take a good look at how we manage the key assets of our bridges and crossings. The investigation by the London Assembly Transport Committee starting this month is a vital first step in making progress in ensuring vital infrastructure in London is properly maintained.”

Elly Baker AM, who proposed the original motion said:

“We don’t want to see a repeat of what has happened with the Hammersmith Bridge elsewhere in the capital. Investment from Government is needed now to ensure repairs are carried out on London’s road network wherever they are needed, such as Vauxhall Bridge and the Gallows Corner and Croydon flyovers.

It’s important we pinpoint where accountability lies so we can avoid major road closures happening in other parts of London.”

The full text of the amended motion is:

“This Assembly is aware that the ownership and maintenance of tunnels and bridges in London is split between several different groups including Highways England, Transport for London, London boroughs, the City of London, Network Rail, Thames Water and private ownership. Furthermore, that Transport for London is not responsible for the ownership and maintenance of all tunnels and bridges on its road network, just as the London boroughs are not responsible for the ownership and maintenance of all tunnels and bridges on their road networks.

The Assembly welcomes the Government’s commitment to contribute towards the costs to re-open Hammersmith Bridge.

This Assembly further welcomes the forthcoming investigation being undertaken by the London Assembly Transport Committee examining the maintenance, governance and ownership of London crossings and as part of that investigation will consider correspondence to key individuals, including raising concerns and recommendations with the Secretary of State for Transport, following the outcome of that investigation.”