July update: Horn Fayre and TfL’s latest river crossings consultation

Lewisham People's Day

Our Lewisham People’s Day stand in Mountsfield Park

Here’s the latest news from the No to Silvertown Tunnel campaign.

COME AND MEET US AT CHARLTON’S HORN FAYRE THIS SUNDAY

We’ve been out and about this summer, meeting new supporters and letting people know exactly what Boris Johnson is planning for east and southeast London. We had a great time at both the Plumstead Make Merry festival on 7 June, and Lewisham People’s Day on 12 July.

We’re not stopping there. Come and see us at the Horn Fayre in Charlton Park this coming Sunday (27 July, 11am-4pm). And in September we’re hoping to be at an event in Britannia Village, Silvertown – we’ll have more details nearer the time.

NEW RIVER CROSSINGS CONSULTATION – GALLIONS AND BELVEDERE
You may have heard about a new public consultation launched by Transport for London into new Thames road crossings at Gallions Reach, between Beckton and Thamesmead, and further downriver between Belvedere and Rainham.

The No To Silvertown Tunnel campaign is focusing on the existing proposal, for a road tunnel between Greenwich and the Royal Docks. We don’t have a policy on other river crossings, real or imagined.

But as the issues are inextricably linked, we’re keeping a close eye on all developments, including these ones for Gallions and Belvedere. If you’re concerned about the Silvertown Tunnel, we suggest you take an interest in this too and familiarise yourself with both sides of the argument.

TfL has published a broad outline of its plans and there’s already a local group campaigning against a road bridge between Thamesmead and Beckton.

No to Silvertown Tunnel campaign members are currently wading through the small print of TfL’s official consultation documents, and have uncovered some interesting assumptions that simply don’t stack up.

The public consultation closes in September, and TfL may release more details through the summer. So, for the time being, we suggest that you hold fire with any responses.

Well before the consultation period closes, we will come back with detailed thoughts on the TfL proposals that you may wish to include in any response.

HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY POLLUTION? TELL US YOUR STORIES

We are looking for stories about how traffic and pollution have affected your life. If your health has suffered, or you simply cannot hang washing outside owing to the filthy air, please drop us a line at info@silvertowntunnel.co.uk. Your story could be valuable in building up the case against the Silvertown Tunnel.

KEPT AWAKE BY TRAFFIC? HELP US MEASURE NOISE

Another effect of an increase in traffic on the Blackwall Tunnel approaches and other roads would be an increase in noise levels. Noise pollution blights local communities, contributing greatly to stress and other health problems.

Take, for example, the A102, which passes right next to people’s homes and gardens. Would you be willing to record sound levels for us, using free applications available for smartphones and tablets? If your street is affected by traffic noise, and you would like to take part in this citizen science exercise, please drop us a line at info@silvertowntunnel.co.uk.