Drivers in England face being banned from bridges to 'prioritise safety'

Drivers will be forced off major bridges in England in a clampdown on motorists. Transport for London is set to begin major construction work on bridges in London, the capital city, next week which will limit the number of cars allowed to cross.

Albert Bridge will close for five days from 7am on Monday October 28, reopening at 7am on Saturday November 2. Battersea bridge – the bridge immediately to the west of Albert bridge – will be part-closed from Friday November 1, with works continuing for 11 months.

Putney bridge – two crossings further west, after Wandsworth bridge – is already subject to roadworks that are due to continue until the end of the year. Vehicles will be diverted via Chelsea Bridge or Battersea Bridge – but Battersea bridge’s south side will be affected by a long-term Transport for London safety upgrade that starts during the week-long closure of Albert bridge.

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Penny Rees, TfL's Head of Healthy Streets Investment, said: "We are committed to Vision Zero, the Mayor's goal to eliminate death and serious injury from the transport network, and these changes will play a vital role in reducing danger at this key junction.”

Will Norman, The Walking and Cycling Commissioner, expressed delight at the upcoming work, stating it will "make the roads and junctions safer for all road users, building a better, safer and greener London for everyone."

Wandsworth Councillor Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport, added: "Wandsworth Council fully supports the work TfL is doing to make the Battersea Bridge area safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Improving road safety is a key priority for us as we continue to encourage more residents to walk and cycle as part of our commitment to active travel."

Kensington and Chelsea council is closing Albert Bridge to vehicles for the school half-term week to enable routine maintenance of the listed bridge’s decked carriageway to take place.