Transport for London’s commissioner Andy Byford has stated he would be in favour of formalising the existence of a committee to oversee maintenance of London’s river crossings.

London’s financial paper City AM says that at the London Assembly’s transport committee, Byford agreed that TfL alongside the central government and London boroughs should formalise the mandate of the Thames River Crossing Coordination Group.

“We’re not averse to that and we can always revisit that recommendation, but it’s not totally within TfL’s gift; it does require central government and others because it’s not just our group,” he’s quoted as telling the transport committee’s chair Caroline Pidgeon.

“I don’t think too many boroughs are going to be committing to massive expenditure on bridges just yet. But certainly… the Coordinating Group, finances would be an obvious first point of consideration for the group.”

This follows a warning last autumn that vehicle and speed limits may be needed on many of London’s bridges to stop them falling down. Hammersmith Bridge is currently closed to vehicles due to safety concerns.

(Picture of Hammersmith Bridge – Yay Images)