The Silvertown Tunnel scheme “fundamentally contradicts” the mayor of London’s transport strategy, Newham’s mayor has claimed.
In a council meeting on Monday, mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said it was bizarre that a scheme had been approved which would increase congestion and worsen air quality.
Ms Fiaz pledged to oppose the tunnel in her election manifesto, but it was approved shortly after she took office.
She said: “What is bizarre for me is how the Silvertown Tunnel contradicts, fundamentally, the mayor of London’s own sustainable transport strategy, which we as a local authority are obligated to meet.
“I still believe it’s going to cause significant congestion in the south of the borough and it’s going to accelerate issues around bad air quality.
“At more than one million pounds, there are better ways we could be spending money on sustainable transport.”
The 1.4km tunnel was proposed to help reduce congestion in Blackwall tunnel and provide another river crossing in east London.
A spokesman for the London mayor said: “New river crossings are vital for the future prosperity of east London, and the Silvertown Tunnel will have a substantial impact unlocking new jobs and economic growth, while easing congestion and poor air quality in the area.
“Since he became mayor, Sadiq has been determined to ensure the Silvertown Tunnel doesn’t have a detrimental impact on our environment. That’s why the plans have such a focus on cleaner transport, with only buses with the highest emission standard using the tunnel, and substantial investment in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the area.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here