Bexley Council’s proof of evidence, independently commissioned, concludes that TfL’s traffic modelling is ‘not reliable as to the volume of traffic predicted to use TGB nor as to its distribution within the Bexley Council area’. The report highlights many concerns that objectors to this scheme have continually raised (1).

Bexley’s consultant (2) shows that TfL’s modelling has been based on out-of-date traffic data and has not taken into account the effect of major new schemes or changes in land use/developments implemented in the area between 1996 and 2001(3).

A detailed network model provided to Bexley Council on 9th May 2005 by Halcrow (4), TfL’s consultants, predicts a further increase in morning traffic using Knee Hill, that Bexley Council’s consultant states ‘simply underlines the unreliability of the previous work’.

Of more concern is that this re-modelling has introduced ‘new signal timings, changes in number of lanes and a new one-way system’. Jacqui Wise of AGAB says, “After looking at the traffic modelling, I questioned Bexley Council in October 2004 over the possibility of a one-way system being introduced into Bexley Borough and was told it was one of several options to be considered”.

Access to the detailed network model has been denied by TfL who claim it is commercially sensitive even though it has been referred to in evidence submitted for the Public Inquiry and therefore should be in the public domain. A request to release this vital information has been forwarded to Mr Ellison the Inquiry Inspector.

Jacqui Wise of AGAB says, “Bexley Council’s proof of evidence reiterates concerns raised by objectors to this controversial road scheme. TfL and Bexley Council should share its plans with residents of the borough instead of keeping them in the dark. Bexley Council officers were agreeing with TfL’s traffic modelling in May. What are their comments now that their consultant agrees with residents’ concerns? If as we suspect TfL’s traffic modelling is under-estimated what ramifications does this have on residents and businesses in the affected boroughs and on congestion, air pollution, noise, road casualties and safeguarding our natural habitats?”

JACQUI WISE & STEVE WISE

Action Group Against the Bridge TEL:020 8301 4243, MOBILE 07748 132161

TERRY GRANT

St.Michael’s Residents’ Association TEL:020 8298 1105, MOBILE 0780 1265713

^{2) Bexley Council’s consultant, a Chartered Civil Engineer, is Mr Terry Wang who is a Divisional Director leading the Transport Planning South       Division of Mouchel Parkman.}

^{3)  Mr Wang’s proof of evidence page 17 refers to major development in North Greenwich including the Dome and the Millennium Village opened in      2000, substantial development in Canary Wharf/Isle of Dogs opened in 1991, DLR extension to Lewisham opened in 1999 and the Jubilee Line     extension opened in 1999.}

^{4) The detailed network model was made available to Bexley Council/Mr Wang on 9th May 2005 and is referred to in Mr Wang’s Proof of Evidence on page 36, point 6.3.}

^{5) The Public Inquiry begins on Tuesday 7th June 2005 at Charlton Athletic Football Club at 10am. TfL, other statutory bodies and those objectors who may wish to, will put their evidence forward and this is expected to last 4-5 weeks. The Inquiry will then adjourn until 13th September 2005 when objectors will put their evidence forward.}

^{6) Objector’s registered to speak at the Inquiry must submit an outline proof by 31st May 2005 but will now have until 16th August 2005 to submit their proof of evidence.}

^{7) AGAB & SMRA’s combined outline proof will be posted on our website at www.nobridge.org.uk or www.pvr.co.uk}

^{8) A peaceful demonstration will be held outside the Inquiry venue on Tuesday 7th June 2005 before the Inquiry begins. Please meet between 9.15-9.30 outside the main entrance inside the car park.}