Transport for London (TfL) are at it again! You may not have heard of the proposal by TfL to built a new bridge across the Thames. The proposed Thames Gateway Bridge (TGB) would be a local road bridge connecting Beckton to Thamesmead in East London, with two segregated and dedicated public transport lanes and separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge would improve accessibility to and within the Thames Gateway and support the regeneration of East London. Significantly reduced journey times and access to employment opportunities would be created. The planning application for the Thames Gateway Bridge was approved by the London Borough of Greenwich on 14 December 2004 and by Newham Council on 15 December 2004.
Here is the killer blow in the proposals and shows why we must be ever vigilant. Under the tolling formula proposed by the Order, the maximum toll for one way use of the main new special road (in either direction) that may be applied, at July 2004 prices.
* Motor cars, motorcycles and motor caravans be £4.00
* Small goods vehicles be £5.40, and
* Any other vehicles be £8.70.
Yes that's £4 for motorcycles. What are MAG doing about it? MAG was able to attend at short notice the public inquiry on Monday and informed the inquiry MAG would be objecting to the proposed charging regime. The inquiry was also attended by BMF with a solicitor and a barrister in tow, who are offering their services free. Though the members of the National Motorcycle Council the suggestion is to re-launch Motorcycling for London and present a joint representation on the congestion, environmental and tolling aspects of the Inquiry.
More info about the Thames Gateway Bridge, you can have a look at the links below:
Related Linkswww.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/thames-gateway/tgw-bridge/tgb-intro.shtmlwww.persona.uk.com/thamesgatewaywww.greater-london.mag-uk.org
