A CHAMBER of commerce has waded into the row over river crossings at Greenwich and Thamesmead.

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said in a response to Transport for London's consultation that it wants a new road bridge to be built at Gallions Reach along with the planned new tunnel at Greenwich peninsula.

It claims that plans for a new vehicle ferry at Gallions Reach is unlikely to accommodate future demand and a road crossing is necessary.

Chamber chief executive Colin Stanbridge said: "Failure to invest in major transport infrastructure now risks damaging London’s reputation as an attractive business location in decades to come. 

"The chronic shortage of crossings east of Tower Bridge holds back the potential of an area designated for economic growth by the mayor. 

"We need to plan for the future not for the present."

Greenwich Council supports both road projects but a campaign against the peninsula crossing has attracted hundreds of supporters. Bexley Council is strongly opposed to a bridge.