TRAVEL chaos caused by a fire at the Blackwall Tunnel has led to renewed calls for alternative crossings across the Thames.

The blaze last week led to massive congestion and there were initial fears the tunnel would be closed for several days.

Last year, Mayor of London Boris Johnson abandoned plans for the Thames Gateway Bridge, dashing the hopes of many long-suffering commuters for improved access across the river.

Now deputy leader of Greenwich Council Cllr Peter Brooks is calling for the bridge and a new Blackwall crossing to Silvertown to be put back on the agenda.

He said: “We were extremely disappointed at the decision of the Mayor of London last year to scrap plans for the Thames Gateway Bridge.

“The results of such a shortsighted decision are felt every time there is a problem with the Blackwall Tunnel or the Woolwich Ferry.

“On each occasion we witness a familiar tale of disrupted journeys to work, and businesses on both sides of the river unable to function properly.”

And MP Clive Efford is now demanding a third tunnel at Blackwall to ease the travel “nightmare”, calling on people to make their feelings known on the Mr Johnson’s transport strategy, currently out for consultation.

He said: “The traffic nightmare that occurs every day must be ended and the third crossing at Blackwall the go ahead."

Lee Green commuter John O’Keefe started a petition in March on the Downing Street website to get two more crossings going north of the river.

The 46-year-old, who works in Bow, said: “Nothing’s changed. With the likes of what Boris has done any improvement is just being delayed and delayed.

“With the Olympics coming up it’s going to be a shambles.”

The mayor’s transport advisor Kulveer Ranger said: "The mayor has asked Transport for London to investigate a number of measures to ease reliance on the tunnel, including a new fixed link at Silvertown, renewing the Woolwich ferry, consideration of a new vehicle ferry and fixed link at Gallions Reach.

"These proposals are all included in the Mayors draft Transport Strategy, which is out for consultation.”