A new river crossing between the Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks is being planned. The aim is to provide another crossing option for pedestrians and cyclists and cut travel time between the O₂ and ExCeL, two major Olympic and Paralympic venues.

At present, other than road bridges, there are very few options for crossing the Thames. You can use the Woolwich ferry to cross the river but it can be quite slow if you consider the time to embark, cross and then disembark. The ferry crossing at Woolwich originates from the 1300s when Woolwich was a fishing village and had the rights to operate a ferry. Today, it is free to use for cars, cyclists and foot passengers.

There are also two foot tunnels - the Greenwich tunnel provides a pedestrian link between Cutty Sark Gardens and Island Gardens, Tower Hamlets and a second tunnel provides a pedestrian link between Woolwich and North Woolwich. Both tunnels are currently open 24 hours a day and have lift access. However, when the lifts are out of order, the stairs may be problematic for those people with mobility issues including wheelchair users. In addition to the ferry and tunnels there are a number of river Taxis that operate on the Thames.

The proposed crossing is certainly not on the door steps of KCIL’s service users and members. However, having a quicker, greener (cable cars use electricity) option for crossing the Thames may encourage more people to use that part of London.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has said, ‘A cable car spanning the majestic Thames would not only provide a unique and pioneering addition to London’s skyline but [would] also offer a serene and joyful journey across the river. Passengers would be able to drink in the truly spectacular views of the Olympic Park while shaving valuable minutes form their travelling time.”

Will the cable car be designed to be fully accessible?

The cable car will be designed so it can be used by those with reduced mobility including wheelchair users and people with pushchairs, as well as bicycles.

How soon will the crossing be in place?

The crossing is still in the early stages of development and subject to planning permission and funding. The design, operating hours and fares structures are still to be agreed.

Have your say

It is important for the crossing to be fully accessible to disabled people and older adults. KCIL would like to encourage our members and users to respond to the public consultation as this will give them an opportunity to raise any issues that they have about accessibility.

A public consultation will run until 2^nd August 2010. Visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cablecar to allow you to have your say.