A CONSULTATION on proposed river crossings in Greenwich and Thamesmead has opened this week.

Transport for London (TfL) is promoting an underground tunnel at Silvertown, connecting with the Greenwich peninsula, and a ferry link between Thamesmead and Beckton.

TfL received nearly 4,000 responses to the first consultation which took place in February this year.

It used the responses to develop the proposals and is now encouraging the public and stakeholders to provide further comments and any other alternatives they may wish to comment on.

It argues both projects will support growth and regeneration in the respective areas.

It says the proposed new tunnel will relieve pressure on the existing Blackwall Tunnel.

It would carry all sizes of vehicles, unlike the Blackwall Tunnel, which sometimes closes due to over-height vehicles attempting to cross.

Its earliest proposed opening date is 2021.

It argues the Gallions Reach Ferry, which would replace the Woolwich Ferry, would offer a better frequency of service and increase capacity.

It would also have more space for vehicles waiting to board, allowing queuing traffic to be managed.

Its earliest proposed opening date is 2017.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This river crossings package has been proposed for two reasons: to address problems that exist at the Blackwall Tunnel and with the Woolwich Ferry, and to support the real opportunity for jobs and growth in east and south east London.

“We welcome Londoners' views in helping to shape these transport options which we hope will both improve the current situation and boost future development.

TfL Director of Planning, Michele Dix, said: “The proposals for new river crossings reflect TfL’s commitment to supporting economic development and population growth in east and south east London – one of the key objectives of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.

“With London’s population set to grow by 1.2m people in the next 20 years, we recognise the importance that will be placed on transporting goods and services and that is why this additional road infrastructure is so vital.”

The consultation runs until February 1 2013. People can share their views at tfl.gov.uk/rivercrossings.

A printed information leaflet can be requested by calling 0843 222 1234.

TfL will provide a report on their findings to the Mayor. A further, more detailed consultation could then take place in late 2013.

Three drop-in sessions are planned for people living and working in Bexley:

Saturday 17 November 10am - 4pm - Abbey Wood Community Centre
Monday 26 November 3pm - 6.30pm - Thamesmead Library
Thursday 6 December 2pm - 8pm - Broadway Shopping Centre