New Thames bridge benefits big business, not local communities

9.14.00am GMT Fri 9th Jan 2004

Company car commuters will be the real beneficiaries from a proposed new Thames bridge, not local people.

Responding to the Mayor of London's announcement that his planned Thames Gateway Bridge is to get government funding Lynne Featherstone, transport spokesperson, said:

"East London will not be helped by a six-lane motorway bridge - a second Dartford crossing.

"The real need is for a local bridge with priority for high quality public transport - preferably a tram link. The announcement by the government and the Mayor of London is all about big business and expanding the financial centres of Canary Wharf.

"Their 'big bridge' is for company car commuters from Kent and Surrey: the real needs of the working-class communities of East London and Thamesmead will not be met."

ENDS

Notes for editor:

Lynne Featherstone is also Chair of the London Assembly's transport committee, which published a report into the viability of a Thames Gateway bridge in July 2003.