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Hammersmith Bridge's future 'could be driverless'

Barry CaffreyLondon, Reporting from Barnes
News imageBBC A driverless miniature bus with pink and white livery parked in a car park. BBC
The autonomous pods move at up to 15 miles per hour

A community group in west London has proposed using autonomous pods to move people over the Hammersmith Bridge, which has been closed to vehicular traffic since 2017.

Barnes and Hammersmith Electric Light Transit (BHELT) was established "to help explore, develop and promote the idea of lightweight autonomous electric pods operating across Hammersmith Bridge".

The not-for-profit organisation said the pods could be part of "an inclusive and sustainable transport future" for the area.

Transport for London said it had no plans to introduce the pods on the river crossing, or for driverless buses more generally on its network.

The 139-year-old Grade II* listed bridge linking Hammersmith with Barnes closed to motor vehicles when cracks appeared in its pedestals in 2019.

Only cyclists and pedestrians are currently allowed to cross.

Plans to make Hammersmith Bridge safe for motor traffic were effectively shelved earlier this month when a council report found it would "essentially require a brand-new bridge to be built" due to the extensive repairs needed.

The pods BHELT has been testing in Barnes have eight seats and standing room for around six more people and are designed for "autonomous driverless operation".

There is space for one wheelchair, which can loaded by the ramp that extends outwards from beneath the vehicle's doors.

News imageA Victorian bridge with ornate pillars looking south - there are cyclists and pedestrians using the bridge - its ironwork is painted green.
Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to vehicles for seven years

Baran Sahan from Omeo UK, which designed and manufactured the autonomous pods, said they operate "a bit like a tram".

He added: "They are slow-moving - currently we operate at a maximum speed of 15 miles an hour."

Charles Campion from BHELT told BBC London that Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to vehicles cars and buses for seven years and there was "a gap in public transport".

"Whatever peoples views, there's a consensus that we need to try to fill that gap. We believe the autonomous pods could be the solution."

The initial proposal from BHELT is for a service from Hammersmith transport interchange to the Barnes side of the bridge that could later be extended to Barnes railway station.

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