The publishers of the famous A-Z London maps have added a dotted line across the Thames to mark the likely route of the proposed walking and cycling bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.
Hopefully, the #RotherhitheBridge proposal will get some discussion! pic.twitter.com/7b0BvccHRk
— A-Z Digital Mapping (@AZdigitalmaps) August 15, 2017
At Mayor’s Question Time on Wednesday, Lib Dem London assembly member Caroline Pidgeon quizzed Sadiq Khan about plans for the walking and cycling bridge from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf, as well as the prospects for extending the Santander Cycles bike hire scheme to SE16.
Listen to the full exchange here:
Transport for London has written to local residents with details of its plans to convert the emergency access lane at the southern approach to the tunnel into a second general traffic lane.
A tree will be removed to allow emergency vehicles to cross a traffic island to reach the tunnel when required.
Work is due to start on 21 August.
“Overall, these changes should reduce waiting times for all traffic, including buses,” writes TfL’s Jay Daisi.
“However, we understand that there are many issues caused by continued queuing at peak times, with this route being in such high demand, due mainly to the fact that there is only one northbound lane through the Rotherhithe Tunnel.”
London Overground night services will start operating from December on Fridays and Saturdays along the East London route between New Cross Gate and Dalston Junction via Surrey Quays, Canada Water and Rotherhithe.
At Canada Water the Night Overground will connect with the Night Tube service on the Jubilee line.
The night service will be extended to Highbury & Islington next year.
Jonathan Fox, TfL’s Director of London Rail, said: “The East London route is one of the most popular parts of the London Overground network, particularly late in the evening. Expanding night services to this key part of London Overground will make it easier for customers to enjoy the vibrant night time culture that East London has to offer, supporting the economy in this much-loved area of the capital. The Night Tube has already provided a boost to our economy and supported thousands of permanent jobs. We hope the Night Overground will build on this success even further.”
The Night Tube service will come to Bermondsey and Canada Water when a 24-hour weekend service is introduced on the Jubilee line from 7 October.
“I was determined to get the Night Tube up and running as soon as possible, and I’m delighted the Jubilee Line will now begin on 7 October,” said Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
“There was huge excitement at the launch of the Central and Victoria Lines last Friday, and it’s already having a beneficial impact on our Night Time economy.
“Over 100,000 people used the Night Tube last weekend to get around London more quickly and safely.
“The launch of the Jubilee line will support thousands more workers like nurses, cleaners, and people who work in our bars and restaurants – many of whom currently take two night buses to get home. It will also serve some of our city’s key venues, with The O2, Wembley Stadium and Stratford on route.
“I will continue to work closely with British Transport Police, TfL staff and Londoners across our city to ensure the roll-out of the Night Tube continues to be a success, and we unlock the full potential of London’s exciting night time economy.”
The Night Tube operates on Friday and Saturday nights.
At his first Mayor’s Question Time on Wednesday morning, Sadiq Khan was questioned by Caroline Pidgeon AM about plans for the proposed Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf walking and cycling bridge as well as the prospects for extending the cycle hire scheme to SE16.
Hear his responses:
Services on the East London line have been increased from two to four trains per hour between 22:00 and 23:30, on the following routes:
Mike Stubbs, Director of London Overground, said: “This is great news for our customers. The East London line is becoming increasingly popular, particularly at night, with many enjoying what London has to offer. To meet this increase in demand we have boosted frequency by 50 per cent on some late night services, significantly increasing capacity.”
Members of the London Assembly have tabled questions to the new Labour mayor Sadiq Khan about his plans for transport in the Rotherhithe area.
Florence Eshalomi, newly elected as Labour’s London Assembly member for the Lambeth & Southwark constituency (in succession to Val Shawcross) has asked the mayor:
What steps will the Mayor take to improve transport at Canada Water, specifically will he support a new pedestrian and cycling bridge from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf, the extension of the cycle hire, additional Jubilee Line services, the improvement of the local road network and approach to the Rotherhithe Tunnel, including removal of the Lower Road Gyratory and additional bus capacity?
Meanwhile Lib Dem London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon has asked Mr Khan the following question:
Will you re-examine the case for introducing a shuttle bus service running round the Rotherhithe peninsula to meet the growing transport needs of this area?
Answers from Mr Khan should be published soon after the Spring Bank Holiday – we’ll let you know what he says,
Labour mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan has published his manifesto – and it includes a pledge to support a bridge across the Thames between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.
Mr Khan says he will “work to break down some of the city’s physical barriers, such as by backing the Rotherhithe-Canary Wharf cycle and pedestrian bridge”.