Residents’ fears as Hammersmith Bridge ferry plan is dropped

PLANS for a ferry across the Thames at Hammersmith have been ditched.

The Hammersmith Bridge taskforce decided to halt proposals to link Hammersmith and Barnes by boat, after the bridge reopened to pedestrians and cyclists in July.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers had been selected to run the service — which would have taken 90 seconds and cost £1.55 a trip — and temporary piers were planned.

But Transport Minister Baroness Vere said the taskforce, which includes the Government, TfL and Hammersmith and Fulham council, had “positive updates” on the council’s plans for strengthening the 134-year-old cast iron structure. So a ferry would not be needed because it can stay open for open for pedestrians and cyclists.

But there is still no deal to fund full repair of the bridge, which first closed to cars in 2019 amid warnings it could collapse. Residents in Barnes fear being cut off from central London if it has to totally close again to restore it, for up to £141 million.