Wandsworth urges Mayor of London to take control of Hammersmith Bridge restoration
Wandsworth Council is calling for responsibility for Hammersmith Bridge to be transferred to the Mayor of London, arguing that a change in leadership is needed to secure the funding and long-term plan required to restore the crossing fully.
The appeal comes after Hammersmith & Fulham Council indicated that available funding should prioritise keeping the bridge open for pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic rather than restoring it for motor vehicles.
Wandsworth says that approach risks leaving south-west London without a fully functioning strategic river crossing for the foreseeable future.
The bridge has been closed to motor traffic since 2019, forcing buses, emergency vehicles, and drivers to rely on alternative routes, including Putney Bridge. Wandsworth argues that the closure has continued to place pressure on neighbouring roads while making journeys more difficult for residents, businesses, and public transport users.
The council says it believes responsibility should move to the Mayor of London, allowing City Hall and TfL to lead a coordinated programme backed by central government and London boroughs.
Wandsworth says current discussions around devolving greater powers to regional leaders provide an opportunity to rethink how major infrastructure projects are managed.
The authority maintains that Hammersmith Bridge is not simply a local issue but an important transport link serving communities across south-west London. It says restoring the bridge for buses, emergency services and general traffic should remain the long-term objective.
Previous analysis by Wandsworth found that traffic increased on Putney Bridge during morning peak periods following the closure, while bus journey times and waiting times also worsened.
The council argues that continued restrictions affect thousands of people every day, including those who cannot easily walk or cycle across the Thames.
By transferring responsibility to the Mayor of London, Wandsworth believes decisions over funding, planning and delivery could be brought together under a single authority with responsibility for London’s wider transport network.
The council says it will continue pressing for a fully restored bridge rather than a solution that permanently limits access to pedestrians and cyclists.
Image: Steve Cadman
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