A community group in west London has proposed using autonomous pods to move people over the Hammersmith Bridge, which has been closed to vehicular traffic since 2017.

Barnes and Hammersmith Electric Light Transit (BHELT) was established “to help explore, develop and promote the idea of lightweight autonomous electric pods operating across Hammersmith Bridge”, says the BBC.

The not-for-profit organisation said the pods could be part of “an inclusive and sustainable transport future” for the area.

Transport for London said it had no plans to introduce the pods on the river crossing, or for driverless buses more generally on its network.

The 139-year-old Grade II* listed bridge linking Hammersmith with Barnes closed to motor vehicles when cracks appeared in its pedestals in 2019.

Only cyclists and pedestrians are currently allowed to cross.

Plans to make Hammersmith Bridge safe for motor traffic were effectively shelved earlier this month when a council report found it would “essentially require a brand-new bridge to be built” due to the extensive repairs needed.

The Ohmio pods BHELT has been testing in Barnes have eight seats and standing room for around six more people and are designed for “autonomous driverless operation”.

There is space for one wheelchair, which can loaded by the ramp that extends outwards from beneath the vehicle’s doors.

(Picture: Ohmio)