Following an initial consultation in February this year, TfL has further developed the proposals for new vehicle river crossings, with options including a new road tunnel at Silvertown and a vehicle ferry at Gallions Reach.
TfL received nearly 4,000 responses to the initial consultation, and more than 90% of those who responded agreed there is a need for more river crossings in east and southeast London.
TfL has used the responses from the last consultation to develop the proposals further.
The proposed new road tunnel would run underneath the River Thames connecting the Royal Docks with the Greenwich Peninsula to relieve pressure on the existing Blackwall Tunnel. This Silvertown Tunnel, likely to be tolled, would be designed to carry all sizes of vehicles, including buses. It would help to alleviate the closures caused by over-height vehicles attempting to use the Blackwall Tunnel.
The proposed vehicle ferry would provide a river crossing linking Beckton directly with Thamesmead at Gallions Reach. It could replace the Woolwich Ferry.
Subject to planning permission and funding, the earliest opening date for the proposed river crossings are 2017 for the Gallions Reach Ferry and 2021 for the Silvertown Tunnel.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "This river crossings package has been proposed for two reasons, to address problems that exist at the Blackwall Tunnel and with the Woolwich Ferry, and to support the real opportunity for jobs and growth in east and south east London. We welcome Londoners views in helping to shape these transport options which we hope will both improve the current situation and boost future development."
The consultation closes on Friday 1 February 2013 and the public are encouraged to share their views at tfl.gov.uk/rivercrossings.
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