The newly elected Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, has voiced her concerns about the damaging impact the Silvertown Tunnel would have on Newham residents.
This follows the decision to approve the development today by Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, the Secretary of State for Transport.
Newham’s Local Impact Report has already shown that the tunnel could have a detrimental impact on local residents in terms of noise, air pollution and congestion. Already there is widespread concern about air quality in East London.
Calling for the scheme to be scrapped, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham said: “London already faces significant problems with air quality. In Newham alone 96 deaths a year are attributed to air quality related illnesses compounding health inequalities. This tunnel will only make air quality in the borough worse”
“The tunnel will also attract extra traffic into to the borough, leading to increases in noise and congestion for our residents, especially those living in the south of the borough.”
“At a cost of over £1 billion, this money could be better spent on other transport and infrastructure uses, especially those that promote sustainable transport and unlock other areas of regeneration in East London. We will continue to put pressure on the government to look at alternatives.”