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A TRANSPORT expert says the Thames Gateway Bridge will increase traffic and pollution in poor areas while failing to bring more jobs.

Professor John Whitelegg, who has written an independent report on proposals for the £425 million six-lane bridge spanning the River Thames between Thamesmead and Becton, made the remarks at a public debate hosted by Greenwich and Lewisham Friends of the Earth.

He told the audience at Emmanuel Church, Yarnton Way, Thamesmead, the bridge will increase congestion but not jobs.

He said: “This extra traffic will create more air pollution in an area which already suffers some of the most serious pollution in Britain.

“Why does the Mayor of London want to reduce traffic where rich people live and increase traffic where poor people live? The congestion charge has the effect of reducing traffic levels in relatively affluent areas. Building the bridge will increase traffic in relatively disadvantaged areas.” The professor says the bridge would be used for commuting into central London and some evidence shows improved road links suck jobs out of areas.

He believes 10,000 jobs could easily be created in five east London boroughs by promoting waste management and recycling industries, setting up training and small business opportunities and emphasising the importance of shops in the areas.
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He added: “If you’re really concerned about accessibility and people getting to work over a big area you could solve most problems with a bridge relatively lightweight in structure for bus, cycles and foot.” A Transport for London spokesman said air pollution would mainly affect the north side of the river where there was not much housing.

He added Tripcock Park, to be built in Thamesmead, would help soak up carbon emissions.

The spokesman said: “Job creation on either side of the bridge has been half the level of London as a whole. One reason is accessibility.” A public consultation ends on Tuesday. Call the Thames Gateway Bridge project team on 0800 321080 or email tgbridge@streetmanagement.org.uk with your views.