First round win in latest battle of Tower Bridge

12.00.00am GMT Thu 22nd Jan 2009

Simon Hughes, the MP for Bermondsey ( and the southern half of Tower Bridge!) has been told that he and local residents have won the first round in their campaign - and there will be a new congestion charge free route for local residents all the time Tower Bridge is closed.

Simon has for some weeks now been pressing Transport for London to listen to the community and make alternative arrangements for pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and drivers while Tower Bridge is closed for refurbishment.. A survey on Simon's website has had over 90 responses and there is widespread agreement that TfL need to provide a service for everyone who uses the bridge.

Simon says "The closure of Tower bridge for two weeks this year and for three months in 2010 has greatly worried many people who use the bridge, often on a daily basis.. Tower Bridge is not in the congestion charge zone. However, while the bridge is closed many drivers would have had to go over London Bridge and pay the congestion charge or go through Rotherhithe Tunnel which already often has serious congestion. I am delighted that TfL has now agreed to my campaign for a congestion charge exempt route over London Bridge while Tower Bridge is closed.

"But there is still work to be done for pedestrians and cyclists. I am pleased that TfL is looking at my suggestion of a ferry service for people who use their feet or pedals. Although TfL are still saying they will not agree to a ferry for the short two week closure in March, they have confirmed that they will speak to boat operators and pier owners about the possiblility of a ferry service during the three month closure in 2010.

"It is really important that people walk and cycle wherever possible, and otherwise use public transport. Transport for London should be doing everything possible to support this. I will continue to work with local councillors and Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon to support these arrangements for local residents. If people have not already done so, I encourage them to complete my online survey at www.simonhughes.org.uk. "