Failure to approve construction of the Thames Gateway Bridge and relieve congestion in east London is undermining plans to boost the local economy, Newham LBC's mayor, Sir Robin Wales, has warned.

Speaking after the unveiling of plans for two new river crossings in the borough – a road tunnel in Silvertown and a new ferry at Gallions Reach, Beckton – Sir Robin said that unless the bridge was built, ‘the east of London will have to cope with only three congested crossings, while the west of London and central London continue to enjoy the choice of more than 30'.