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HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE RE-OPENING MEANS EVEN MORE CARS (1999, BUT AS VALID AS EVER TODAY!) |
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On 21 Dec 1999, Hammersmith Bridge was re-opened to cars. It had been closed to car traffic for over two years while repairs were carried out, although it was kept open for buses, cycles and pedestrians. During the period of closure, a campaign developed to keep it closed to cars after the repairs had been completed.
What happened when the bridge was closed ?
The closing of Hammersmith Bridge to cars was, surprisingly to many, a success. Traffic levels fell. Over 20% of those who used to drive over the bridge left their cars at home. The area around the bridge became an example of traffic evaporation and, according to Hammersmith's the Council's Assistant Director of Highways, traffic elsewhere has generally ironed out - chaos did not happen. Bus services improved. Journey times fell and the number of peak hour services rose, leading to increased patronage. Between February and October 1997 alone, the number of passengers crossing the bridge rose by 23%. The number of people cycling and walking across the bridge also increased substantially. In short, all the things that planners, politicians and the public were hoping to see from an Integrated Transport Strategy.
Hammersmith Council clutches defeat from the jaws of victory
Despite this resounding success story, Hammersmith Council voted to re-open the bridge to cars the moment repairs were complete. Nic Ferriday, spokesperson for West London Friends of the Earth commented This opportunity was handed to the Council on a plate. Keeping Hammersmith Bridge closed to cars was about the easiest and most effective measure imaginable to reduce traffic and encourage a move from cars to other modes. Any other measures would be more difficult, expensive and controversial. Hammersmith Council had always given the impression it was determined to address the serious issue of traffic; but this decision shows that it only pays lip service.
Impressed by the results of the closure, many Labour councillors were in favour of keeping it closed. We understand that in a secret vote, these progressive councillors were outnumbered by just two. Nic Ferriday continued By stifling the more progressive councillors, new Laobur in Hammersmith contrived to give the impression that there was a consensus to open the bridge. They have effectively voted for more traffic, less buses, less cycling, less walking, more congestion, more air pollution, more danger and worse health. Their decision reflects the change in national government, where the policies of John Prescott have been replaced by the ones of Lord MacDonald of support and enouragement for more cars.
Wandsworth Council seeks to outdo Hammersmith
Although Hammersmith Council decided to re-open the bridge to cars, they were concerned at the adverse impact on buses. They have proposed an experimental "bus priority zone" now the bridge is re-opened to cars. But Wandsworth Council, led by Edward Lister, are so pro-car they even oppose this modest measure of amelioration.
Links to related pages
See our earlier story of how disgraced mayoral hopeful, Jeffrey Archer also supported more cars at the expense of buses, cycles and walking.
(Last updated 23/12/99)
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