TfL must learn lessons from Blackwall Tunnel mismanagement

6.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 27th Jun 2007

"Councillor Paul Webbewood has met Transport for London (TfL) officers following complaints about the sudden ending of the morning tidal flow in Blackwall Tunnel after 30 years.

After his meeting, Paul commented "I am grateful to TfL officers for meeting me. It now seems clear that the possibility of a head-on accident and the risk of a fire coupled with the two-way traffic would make access for emergency vehicles and escape more difficult.

"TfL's communication with local councils and tunnel users about the tidal flow has left much to be desired. I hope that the Mayor of London, who is ultimately responsible for TfL, will learn from this episode and ensure when decisions like this are taken in future everyone affected is consulted in advance.

"Greenwich council needs to be proactive in monitoring the implications of this for the Borough. At the moment, their response has been poor. The Labour leadership in Greenwich like to claim that they are pivotal in shaping the future of the Borough. However all they have done so far is to suggest that people use river boats and wait for the construction of a third tunnel at Blackwall."