HUNDREDS of disgruntled commuters are flocking to sign a petition against the decision to abolish a rush-hour traffic system in the Blackwall Tunnel.

There are now only two lanes instead of three to carry traffic northbound.

415 people have signed a petition to get the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, to rethink the move to stop the old tidal flow system as it is causing massive congestion and huge delays to people.

Lucy O'Dell, 31, of Calvert Road, Dartford, who started the petition, said yesterday's traffic was horrendous.

She said: "It's horrific. You have HGVs pulling in between cars, It's a terrible situation. Every lane is just gridlocked going northbound.

"The affects of what's happening are really grave.

"It's affecting communities in Greenwich along the A2 who are just pulling off and trying to find alternative routes."

The 31-year-old believes it could be an underhand way for Mr Livingstone to bring in the congestion charge if the situation worsens.

The Met Police and Transport for London stopped the system because of the increase in dangerous driving, including overtaking in the tunnel.

She added: "If it is for safety reasons. It just doesn't make sense. Why not use an automatic plate registration system to charge these people rather punish the 90 per cent of us who drive carefully?

"An alternative needs to be put in place."

Greenwich Council said it was not consulted about the changes to the system, which were brought in over a week ago.

A council spokesman said: "It is regrettable that there has been no consultation or discussion with Greenwich Council.

"While we fully understand concerns expressed by the police, this only reaffirms that the measure has been under consideration for some time.

"Lack of consultation with Greenwich means that no discussion has been had about possible amelioration of the problem at Blackwall, nor indeed on the impact this measure will have on surrounding streets."

To sign petition visit blackwalltunnel.co.uk