Wandsworth calls for Mayor of London to take responsibility for Hammersmith Bridge

The call follows Hammersmith & Fulham’s recommendation that available funding should focus only on keeping the bridge open for pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic, rather than delivering the full restoration needed for vehicles, buses and emergency services across south-west London.

Councillor Robert Morritt, The Leader of Wandsworth Council says now is the right time for a different settlement, with national conversations increasingly focused on devolving greater powers to unlock progress on complex local infrastructure. Hammersmith Bridge is exactly the kind of strategic London issue that needs clear mayoral leadership, rather than years more drift between borough and national responsibilities.

Councillor Morritt, said: “This is a moment for leadership, not managed decline. After seven years of disruption, the time has come to transfer responsibility for Hammersmith Bridge to the Mayor of London, with the powers and funding needed to get this strategic crossing properly restored.

“Residents in Putney, Roehampton and across Wandsworth cannot be left with a half-baked plan that keeps Hammersmith Bridge permanently out of reach for buses, emergency vehicles and ordinary traffic.

“This bridge is not a local inconvenience. It is a strategic river crossing. Its closure has shifted traffic onto Putney Bridge and surrounding roads, made journeys harder for residents and businesses, and damaged public transport resilience across south London.

“Wandsworth will continue to champion the full reopening of Hammersmith Bridge. We are calling on the Government to use the current devolution agenda to put responsibility where it belongs: with London’s Mayor, working with Transport for London and the boroughs to deliver a serious, funded plan that restores proper connectivity for residents, buses and emergency services."

Why Wandsworth is calling for mayoral responsibility

Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to motor vehicles since 2019, placing sustained pressure on alternative crossings including Putney Bridge.

Wandsworth’s previous analysis found traffic increases on Putney Bridge during the morning peak, alongside worsening bus journey and waiting times following the closure.

The continuing closure affects residents, businesses, bus passengers, emergency services and people who cannot easily walk or cycle across the bridge.

Wandsworth wants responsibility transferred to the Mayor of London, with Government, Transport for London and borough partners focused on a full restoration that brings back buses, emergency vehicles and proper cross-river access.