Tuesday 8 July 2014

East London "deserves better" than another ferry

Commenting on the publication of the Transport for London (TfL) Consultation on East London River Crossings, Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said: "The launch of this consultation is a clear acknowledgement by the Mayor for London of the importance of improved transport infrastructure to the east and south east London economy. LCCI particularly welcomes the inclusion of fixed river crossings among the options for consultation.

"It would be unforgiveable if we were to settle for replacing like for like with another ferry - a downgrading of ambitions in an area of London which deserves better.

"East London has developed rapidly in the past two decades and will continue to do so in the coming 20 years. If this demographic challenge is to be met, we need the right infrastructure in place to ensure residents and businesses in east London can thrive.

"While it would be naïve to ignore the lessons of past consultations, LCCI has been reassured by the support shown to our Bridge East London campaign by businesses of all sectors and sizes - those who are frustrated by the sustained lack of reliable and resilient transport connectivity in the east London area."

ENDS

Media contact:
Sean McKee,
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1882
M: +44 (0)7500 013166
E: smckee@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
2. Bridge East London is an ongoing LCCI campaign calling on the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) for a long overdue new fixed road river crossing east of Tower Bridge. The campaign is supported by over 200 businesses and individuals. More information, including a full list of our supporters, is available on our Bridge East London campaign webpage
3. In partnership with internationally renowned architects HOK, alongside world class engineering and design consultants at Arup, LCCI recently unveiled an exciting vision for a new bridge linking east and south east London.
4. Colin Stanbridge is available for further comment and interview.