Tunnel vision

The London Assembly Transport Committee's review of the decision to end the peak hours tidal flow in the Blackwall Tunnel Tunnel vision PDF Tunnel vision RTF

There was an unnecessary lack of openness and transparency while the future of the Blackwall Tunnel tidal flow was being considered, according to the London Assembly. This report says it appears that Transport for London (TfL) had been considering ending the tidal flow from October 2005, as recommended in a Capita Symonds report. This became a real possibility in September 2006 when the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) raised safety concerns.

However, TfL neglected to properly consult with the boroughs that would be affected until just a few days before the tidal flow was suspended on 17 April 2007. TfL claim they suspended the tidal flow earlier than planned because of an accident, but this only brought the suspension forward by a few days. In addition, the decision was only officially made available to the public the day after it had ceased – meaning there was no advanced notice to motorists.

A number of recommendations are made in the report, including:

• TfL and the MPS should ensure there is clarity over their decision-making processes
• TfL should provide detailed information on the traffic levels in the area to the south of the tunnel and an analysis of the effect on the Rotherhithe Tunnel and Dartford Crossing
• Steps taken to improve the way TfL communicates with borough highways teams should be published