TRUE IMPACT OF PROPOSED THAMES GATEWAY BRIDGE REVEALED

PRESS RELEASE 23rd May 2005

A preliminary report released by Professor Phil Goodwin, renowned independent traffic consultant, shows substantial and alarming additional increases in traffic growth than previously illustrated by Transport for London (TfL).

Based on TfL’s predictions for traffic growth, Professor Phil Goodwin has clearly illustrated the devastating affect the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge will have on residential roads and the quality of life for existing communities and that of future generations.

We do not accept TfL’s predictions for traffic growth and will argue at the Public Inquiry that the growth will be even greater than they predict.

One example based on traffic figures supplied by TfL, which appear to be conservative to say the least, forecasts, an increase on Knee Hill (A2041) from 2001 to 2016 without the bridge of 33%. With the bridge this figure leaps to a horrifying 78%. This indicates that Bexley Council are prepared to accept nearly double the amount of traffic at Knee Hill, with the obvious increase in noise, air pollution and road casualties.

A letter in January 2005 from Bexley Council to TfL, released under Freedom of Information, states: ‘In Bexley, routes from and to the bridge will involve extensive use of residential streets that are not designed for large traffic flows.’

Jacqui Wise of Action Group Against the Bridge says: “We will continue to oppose this insane project which is likely to degenerate the area. People need to object strongly to the Inquiry Inspector as soon as possible to indicate their opposition to this madness”.

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