Transport for London (TfL) has said it is working with the police to minimise the impact of new security barriers on bridges in the capital after campaigners raised concern over their impact on cyclists.
Last week the Metropolitan Police installed barriers on a number of bridges in London, following the terror attack at London Bridge and the earlier attack at Westminster, both of which began with terrorists driving vehicles onto the pavement on bridges.
In some cases, such as on Blackfriars and Vauxhall bridges, there are both barriers to separate cycle lanes and pavements from the main highway and barriers at each end restricting access onto and off the bridge.
On Tuesday, BBC London transport correspondent Tom Edwards described the situation on Blackfriars Bridge as an ‘absolute shambles’, with thousands of cyclists having to squeeze through one lane.
Both Cycling UK and the London Cycling Campaign have raised concerns about the issue, which is also affecting pedestrians.
A TfL spokesperson said: ‘The Met has installed barriers to increase security on London’s busiest bridges. We are working with them to ensure that these barriers affect cyclists and pedestrians as little as possible, while ensuring the security of all road users.’
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: ‘We recognise the public is anxious about security following the terrorist attacks in London, and we want to reassure them that we are taking precautions to make the capital a safe place for people to live, work and visit.
‘The barriers are intended to increase security on what are some of London’s busiest bridges. They are designed specifically for hostile vehicle mitigation and are a national asset used around the UK.
‘We are considering the use of barriers and other security measures at locations across London.’
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