An environmental charity is calling on Hammersmith and Fulham and Richmond Councils to consider a feasibility study for a car-free Hammersmith Bridge. 

Possible, a charity looking to help reduce carbon emission, have proposed that whilst Hammersmith Bridge is being restored, it is converted to be car-free and instead utilise a two-way protected cycle lane and lightweight driverless electric shuttles. 

In April, The Telegraph reported that the current repairs could cost over £200 million and take another ten years on top of the four years it has already been closed to cars. 

Possible say that their proposal would cost less than £10 million, less than has already been spent on the current project. 

An artists impression of what the bridge could look like. Photo: Possible.

A statement on the Possible website said: "In the four years since excess motor traffic broke Hammersmith Bridge and it was forced to close to cars, vehicle counts show that traffic has actually fallen across southwest London, even in key places where some local people believe it has got worse.  

"The Mayor of London and Hammersmith & Fulham Council have both committed to challenging climate change targets which require a reduction in car traffic of over a quarter by 2030, but do not currently have the right policies in place to achieve this.   

"We have created an alternative proposal for Hammersmith Bridge which has been developed with highways engineers and autonomous vehicle manufacturers, and is based on over a year of engagement with local communities and stakeholders on both sides of the river to explore local transport needs. 

"The 10-passenger 'pods' will enable people with mobility difficulties in Barnes and Roehampton who cannot easily walk or cycle over the bridge to access public transport connections and amenities in Hammersmith town centre for the first time since it closed in 2019.  

"The proposal would also involve a restructuring of bus routes to ensure that continuous journeys can operate smoothly over the river here." 

Read more about the proposal here.