Hammersmith Bridge autonomous pod proposal put forward as community group seeks transport solution

Fahad Redha

July 20, 2026
2 min read

Hammersmith Bridge autonomous pod proposal put forward as community group seeks transport solution

A west London community group has unveiled plans to introduce autonomous electric pods across Hammersmith Bridge in an effort to restore a public transport link that has been missing for years.

Barnes and Hammersmith Electric Light Transit (BHELT), a not-for-profit organisation formed to explore new transport options, believes lightweight driverless pods could provide an alternative for passengers travelling between Hammersmith and Barnes while the historic bridge remains closed to motor traffic.

Hammersmith Bridge has been inaccessible to vehicles since structural problems forced its closure, with motorists banned since 2019 after cracks were discovered in the bridge’s pedestals. Today, only pedestrians and cyclists can cross the Grade II* listed structure.

Earlier this month, hopes of reopening the bridge to conventional traffic suffered another setback after a council report concluded that restoring it for vehicles would effectively require a new bridge because of the scale of repairs needed.

Against that backdrop, BHELT says autonomous transport could offer a practical alternative.

The organisation has been testing eight-seat electric pods in Barnes. The vehicles also provide standing space for around six passengers, include wheelchair access via a built-in ramp, and are designed to operate without a driver.

Omeo UK, the company behind the vehicles, says the pods currently travel at speeds of up to 15mph and function in a similar way to a tram, following a defined route rather than mixing freely with traffic.

BHELT is proposing an initial service linking Hammersmith transport interchange with the Barnes side of Hammersmith Bridge. The organisation says the route could later be extended to Barnes railway station if the concept proves successful.

The proposal comes as local campaigners continue searching for long-term transport solutions following years of disruption caused by the bridge closure.

However, Transport for London has said it has no plans to introduce autonomous pods on Hammersmith Bridge and is not considering driverless buses elsewhere on its transport network.

While the idea remains at an early stage, supporters argue it could help address the public transport gap that has existed between the two communities since vehicle access across the bridge ended.

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About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.