Transport for London’s (TfL’s) decision to ban vehicles from London Bridge will impede on efficient logistics in the capital and harm economic recovery, as Natalie Chapman, Head of Urban Policy at Logistics UK, explains:

“Logistics UK and its members have been supportive and accommodating of the government’s plan to reallocate road space to cyclists and pedestrians, but the closure of London Bridge to vehicles between 7am-7pm Monday-Friday is a step too far. The bridge provides essential connectivity into London – suitable river crossings for freight are few and far between – and by banning these vehicles, it forces commercial drivers to take significant detours, which, in addition to reducing productivity, will increase localised congestion and air pollution as traffic clusters to the remaining river crossings. As the government continues to encourage local authorities to introduce a myriad of closure schemes, logistics is being funnelled into smaller and smaller areas of London; this does not support sustainable, efficient logistics.”

Ms Chapman continues: “Logistics businesses and their staff were hailed as heroes during the pandemic for working tirelessly to keep the nation stocked with the essential goods it needs, now, when we need government to support us on our road to financial and operational recovery, it is disappointing it has taken such a destructive measure. Many logistics businesses are still struggling with cash flow issues and major disruption to operations; this additional burden – which will drive up costs for companies significantly – could be the final straw that breaks the camel’s back. And by implementing the closure at such short notice, it will cause businesses immediate, serious challenges with routing and scheduling. While the closure is a temporary measure, engagement from TfL with logistics businesses has been poor; we will be campaigning to ensure the scheme is not made permanent.

“Poor river connectivity has long been an issue in London; we have been calling for a new crossing to be constructed at Silvertown and, while TfL was granted permission in 2018 for the project, the Mayor of London is now under pressure from local MPs to abandon the scheme. We urge the Mayor to recognise the importance of this new crossing to efficient logistics and stick to his commitment.”