Tories' Shaun Bailey pledges to build bridge across the Thames at Hammersmith
Boris Johnson as London Mayor famously failed to build his garden bridge across the Thames; now the new Tory challenger for City Hall aims to go one better.
Shaun Bailey, the Conservative challenger in May's London Mayoral elections, is backing plans for a temporary crossing next to Hammersmith Bridge, which closed in August because of structural problems.
The total cost of the bridge - just £10million - is a fraction of the £53million Mr Johnson wasted on the plans for his bridge covered with trees and flowers over the River Thames in central London. The scheme was cancelled by current Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan in 2017.
Mr Bailey sees the new structure - dubbed inevitably "Bailey's Bridge" - as a riposte to the decision by Mr Khan, Transport for London and Liberal Democrat councils for letting the 133-year-old Hammersmith Bridge fall into disrepair.
It comes after the Telegraph disclosed last weekend that children who were having to go on long detours and risking their personal safety because of the bridge's closure.
The new "Bailey's bridge" should be able to carry pedestrians, cyclists, cars, particularly ambulances and police cars. The Tory challenger is hoping to meet with the architects behind the plan next week.
Mr Bailey accused Mr Khan of "refusing to lift a finger" to sort out the problem "leaving residents without a safe, reliable river crossing".
He added: "It’s not the Government’s job to look after London’s bridges. Funnily enough, that responsibility lies with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
"I asked the Government to step in and take control of restoring the bridge. While I’m glad they followed my advice, I’m keeping the pressure on for a temporary road bridge.
"If a temporary road bridge hasn’t been delivered by May next year, I’ll make it my priority as Mayor to build a temporary road bridge and get London moving.”
Studies have shown the residents in neighbouring Richmond are in favour of the bridge.
Hammersmith Bridge is not expected to be repaired, and be able to carry vehicles again, for at least six years.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said in September he was setting up a government taskforce, which will take over the project and work up solutions.
It emerged last week that ministers have started the procurement process for a ferry service. Transport for London is seeking an operator to run it.
Transport for London has discarded plans for a temporary road bridge that could be built "for £7million in three months ... on the grounds of cost, timescale and feasibility", Hammersmith and Fulham council said.
Mr Khan was approached for comment.
