Southwark Council has described the decision to pause work on the Rotherhithe/Canary Wharf crossing as “deeply frustrating”.  

Transport for London initially had plans for a walking and cycling bridge to “create a much needed route across the Thames in east London”,  but shelved the idea last year over financial problems.

A new fast ferry service was proposed instead, but newly published budget papers from TfL said the scheme is “currently unaffordable in the context of other walking and cycling priorities” in the wake of Covid-19.  

It is unclear when or if the plans will resume.  

We were disappointed not to have the opportunity to discuss the revised proposals before they were published, particularly given the assurances that were previously given about the scheme’s viability

Responding to the news, Councillor Johnson Situ, Southwark Council’s cabinet member for growth, development, said “such schemes should be prioritised not paused”. 

“The decision to pause work on the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing is deeply frustrating.  

“Transport for London is facing a huge and unprecedented financial challenge in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and it’s clear difficult decisions will have to made. 

“However, the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing would provide a vital new route over the Thames in an under-served part of London and would mean more people can choose walking and cycling.  

“The crossing would also support new homes and jobs in the area. The proposal is particularly disappointing given that the crossing had already been downgraded from the original commitment for a walking and cycling bridge.  

“We feel that schemes such as these should be prioritised not paused.  

“We were disappointed not to have the opportunity to discuss the revised proposals before they were published, particularly given the assurances that were previously given about the scheme’s viability.  

“We thank the Deputy Mayor for Transport Heidi Alexander for her agreement to meet next week,” he said.  

A TfL spokesperson said: “We remain committed to improving river crossings in east London, particularly for sustainable modes.  

“However, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our finances, particularly passenger income, means that our revised budget inevitably involves very difficult choices having to be made. 

“While we are doing what we can to continue the vital capital investment which will help London recover from the pandemic, in the current climate some projects will have to be paused, including the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing, as we seek a long-term sustainable funding settlement with Government.”