Crossing the River Thames in a vehicle in East London has always been challenging due to the disparity of the number of crossings we have compared to West London and it is about to get worse. I share the frustration of many in our community facing the challenges of a restrictive transportation system.

East London's economy would be further stifled by more tolls coming to nearly every river crossing, except for the Woolwich ferry, which already suffers from delays and breakdowns. In contrast, West London enjoys fewer barriers, underscoring an unacceptable disparity. The Woolwich foot tunnel's non-functional lift further alienates those with mobility issues.

My regular trips to the church on the north side of the river can be quite daunting especially when the Elizabeth line and the DLR are closed for maintenance. This forces us to use the Woolwich foot tunnel, which often has only one working lift or, at times, none at all. This leaves tunnel users including the elderly and those with mobility challenges, struggling to navigate the lengthy staircases. This highlights the poor accessibility in our region.

Transport for London statistics (2021) shows East Londoners spend up to 45% more time travelling than their Western counterparts due to inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these issues and removing at least one toll as well as fixing the lift that has been out of order for more than a year, could rejuvenate East London and ease transportation burdens, especially for vulnerable groups.

We call on the government to force the elimination of at least one planned tolled crossing in East London, to remove the extra financial burden from drivers who use the crossings, and ensure reliable lift services for the foot tunnel which would enhance inclusivity for all mobility groups.