Plans to bring Transport for London’s Santander Cycles bike hire scheme to Rotherhithe remain stalled due to a funding gap, says the leader of Southwark Council.

Surrey Docks Lib Dem councillor Jane Salmon tabled this question at July’s Council Assembly meeting: “Will the council write to Transport for London (TfL) and commit to pay its share to developing the 40-50 stations required for a Rotherhithe expansion of the Bike Hire Scheme?”

Council leader Peter John replied: “The council has been lobbying Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor to expand the Santander bike hire scheme further in Southwark including to the Rotherhithe peninsular.

“TfL support our ambition to expand but have not committed the funding that is required.

“The council has been working to try and secure third party funding and has already secured developer contributions for cycle docking stations, in addition to our commitment to contribute £2m to fund the expansion.

“This does not meet the level needed so we will continue to look for new ways to secure the money needed and will continue to make the case to City Hall for expansion.

“Alongside this, we have been looking at other models which will enable access to cycle hire throughout the borough, and particularly our ambition to make cycling more accessible for all – not just those who are already experienced cyclists.”

Earlier this year the council allowed dockless cycle hire providers Mobike and Ofo to begin operations in the borough.