Trampower are to continue to with their plans for a tram route in the London borough of Southwark \u2013 even though Transport for London have expressed their concern about the scheme. The planned route would run between London Bridge and Denmark Hill and Trampower claim that it could be built within 12 months and at reduced costs to the taxpayer.<\/p>\n
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Now, as many reading this website will be aware, Trampower have been attempting to get a demonstration line up and running in Preston for many, many years but despite promises that work to get it operational would be starting on several occasions very little progress has been in Lancashire. It would now appear that the firm have loftier ambitions with this 10 stop line in Southwark.<\/p>\n
The major stumbling block \u2013 probably one of the major stumbling blocks \u2013 is that ideally they would need TfL backing to smooth the way for permissions being given for this construction but they are certainly not currently getting that.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson from TfL said: \u201cWhile we are keen to see increased connectivity across London, our number one priority is safety and we have significant concerns about the Southwark Supertram scheme.\u00a0A number of safety and operational issues\u00a0that would impact walking and cycling in the area as well as other road users, including bus passengers, have been raised during consultation with the promoters and remain unresolved.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response to this statement, Stewart Saunders, Transport and Policy Advisor at Southwark Supertram, said: \u201cIt may well be looking for problems to stop the scheme. As an organisation, they\u2019re used to setting the pace\u2026 they were seeking strong assurances. They\u2019ve been set up in a context where they decide what happens\u00a0and what doesn\u2019t happen.\u00a0It\u2019s very hard when you\u2019re having to fit in with others\u2019\u00a0demands and ideas.\u00a0There\u2019s a certain amount of politics playing into this \u2013 when we first contacted TfL\u00a0they literally ignored us.\u201d<\/p>\n
The planned route would run from London Bridge to Denmark Hill with stops provided at Guys\u2019 Hospital, Great Dover Street, Borough Road, Newington Causeway, Elephant and Castle, Wansey Street, Cadiz Street, Westmoreland Road, Bowyer Place and Camberwell Green.<\/p>\n
The Southwark Supertram team claim it would only cost \u00a390 million to build with the bulk of finance coming privately. Much of the savings against other tram schemes seems to be from how they plan to lay tracks as instead of digging up the roads and diverting utilities the rails would be laid in small grooves. Even with this different way of laying the tracks the costs do seem very optimistic in comparison with other tram schemes in the UK.<\/p>\n
As TfL have reservations, the group behind the plans are now seeking local planning permission from Southwark Council. However, its likely that more permission is needed than this which could end up being a huge issue in getting these plans approved and trams running in the area.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Trampower are to continue to with their plans for a tram route in the London borough of Southwark \u2013 even though Transport for London have expressed their concern about the scheme. The planned route would run between London Bridge and … Continue reading