| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Expectations being managed on Hammersmith Bridge | |
| Posted by: | Jeremy Parkinson | |
| Date/Time: | 03/07/25 12:52:00 |
| The reduced number of river crossings since covid is certainly an interesting phenomenon however I think we should pause before leaping to the conclusion that closing bridges to traffic has an overall positive effect. The problem is that congestion across west London has increased and road speeds has reduced in the same period (see INRIX, TfL data and bus speed data). This probably needs more study but my guess would be that the reduced bridge crossings are explained by them being pinch points and traffic (particularly delivery related) having become more efficient in avoiding them over the last five years due to technology changes. The figures shared by Andy Slaughter in his most recent report suggest that there were nearly as many people crossing Hammersmith Bridge by bus than other means pre-closure. This was when the size and number of buses was significantly restricted so if the new bridge was able to dispense with these restrictions you could see a significant boost to public transport usage to the extent that the largest number of individual journeys were by this means. This would particularly likely be the case if there was a toll. Boosting public transport availability in this way would be a better way to tackle congestion. |