TfL to start ferry service at Hammersmith Bridge
The Department for Transport has announced a ferry service will begin at Hammersmith Bridge just days after it hammered out a new bailout with TfL.
In a statement this evening the transport department said that, as part of the London bailout, TfL has been “required to procure a ferry service for passengers across the Thames near Hammersmith Bridge.”
Under the terms of the rescue package, which will see the transport network receive £1.7bn in financial support, ministers have set a number of requirements.
As well as as having to review driverless trains as a condition of the new bailout, the government has now insisted TfL start work on the temporary ferry service.
It has also asked the transport system to establish how Hammersmith Bridge could be brought back into use.
Heidi Alexander, deputy mayor for transport said: “I am pleased the procurement for a ferry service can now start, which will make a big difference to local communities and ensure Londoners can travel across the river. It is now vital that Government confirm funding for the stabilisation and strengthening of the bridge itself.”
The bridge has been at the centre of fierce rows between City Hall and DfT, with transport secretary Grant Shapps previously saying there had been a “lack of leadership in London on re-opening this vital bridge”.
The bridge was closed to vehicles last year due to potentially dangerous cracks, but stayed open for cyclists and pedestrians. During the summer heatwave, it closed to cyclists and pedestrians as the cracks widened and fears grew of a “catastrophic failure”.
In a statement today Shapps said: “For too long residents have suffered as those responsible have failed to deal with this issue. I’m pleased to say that, following our funding deal with TfL, alongside the excellent work of our Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce, this first step is becoming a reality.”
David Rowe, TfL’s head of major projects sponsorship said: “Now that TfL has a funding agreement until next March, we are doing everything possible to ensure a ferry is available to get people across the river as soon as possible.”