Petition: Make Albert Bridge car free

Albert Bridge, a beloved Grade II* listed landmark, is one of Britain's most iconic bridges, and one of only two bridges crossing the Thames which have never been replaced. From the start, it has not been suitable for heavy traffic, and soon after it was built it was nicknamed the Trembling Lady.

The only permanent solution to its engineering problems is to ban motorised traffic. Sign our petition requesting RBKC Council to keep Albert Bridge free from motorised vehicles!

Why we think it should remain closed to motorised traffic

Weight Restrictions Unenforcable

There has been a weight restriction in place for over 140 years, as it was always clear Albert Bridge was not fit for heavy traffic. Over the years, RBKC has tried to protect the Bridge from damage. Gates were installed to block wide vehicles, and a few years ago RBKC installed an enforcement camera.

However, the law, as currently drafted, only allows weight restrictions on commercial vehicles, so the restrictions could not be enforced on private cars – including increasing numbers of SUVs and electric vehicles – many well over the weight limit. The damage to the Bridge is clear for all to see and will increase exponentially if nothing is done.

Not another Hammersmith Bridge

Don't let it become another Hammersmith Bridge - initial estimates of just a few million to fix the bridge ballooned to £250 million after several years. Rather than spending millions to come to the conclusion it is unaffordable, it is better to stop pretending a permanent solution is affordable. With a hole in its finances of £80 million over the next three years, it would be foolish to pump money in the money pit that is Albert Bridge.

Safe alternative for cyclists

Battersea Bridge has a terrible safety record for cyclists. Making Albert Bridge car-free provides a real alternative to cyclists to cross the river safely. A lot of parents cross the river to take their kids to school, which they can then do much more safely using Albert Bridge.

Oakley Street

Oakley Street is a residential street which the Council designated as a Quiet Street for cyclists. However, nowadays it is filled with traffic. Banning cars from Albert Bridge will significantly improve the liveability for residents, as well as make it a safe and quiet route for cyclists.

Traffic impact limited

Albert Bridge is the Thames crossing with the second lowest number of cars per day of all bridges. Making it car free will have an impact on traffic, but less than 1 in 5 cars that cross the river in Chelsea use Albert Bridge.

Finish what Betjeman started

Already in 1973, Poet Laureate John Betjeman started a petition to pedestrianise Albert Bridge. It was already clear then that it was impossible to make it suitable for vehicles permanently, without destroying and rebuilding it.

We are now 50 years on, and we have a chance to finally make common sense prevail, stop pouring money into a black hole, and provide Better Streets (& Bridges) for Chelsea.