A pedestrian and cycle bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf was described as a “great project” by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and now Liberal Democrat Caroline Pidgeon is pushing for concrete plans.

Charity Sustrans, which works to enable people to travel by foot, bike or public transport, estimates that 15 per cent of trips on the bridge would originate from Rotherhithe.

The majority of journeys are expected to originate from the surrounding areas – including Lewisham, Peckham and Brixton.

London Assembly member Ms Pidgeon told News Shopper: “Crossing the Thames for cyclists and pedestrians becomes increasingly more difficult east of Tower Bridge.

“A pedestrian and cycle bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf would not just be incredibly good news for people living in the Rotherhithe area but also a great benefit for many people from places such as Deptford, Brockley, Blackheath, Lee Green and Charlton.

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“The bridge would provide a new opportunity for thousands to cycle to work, when at present the only option is often merely an overcrowded Tube or DLR train to get to Canary Wharf.”

At last month’s mayor’s question time with Sadiq Khan, Ms Pidgeon received a positive response from the mayor of London and is pushing for a swift action plan to make the bridge a reality.

She said: “The case for the bridge is overwhelming. The only issue is how it is delivered.

“The Mayor must now come forward with concrete plans to ensure that this idea is turned into reality as quickly as possible.

“There is no reason why the bridge could not be built and open within four or five years.”