PLANS for a new river crossing from Thamesmead have been heavily criticised by an MP.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson confirmed plans yesterday for a tunnel to Silvertown from the Greenwich peninsula and a ferry crossing from Thamesmead at Gallions Reach.

Greenwich and Woolwich MP Nick Raynsford said the Silvertown link was “very welcome” but slammed the ferry crossing proposal, dismissing it as a poor substitute for the Thames Gateway Bridge scheme which the mayor axed.

He said: “Now, just months before an election, Boris Johnson has effectively admitted the catastrophic error he made in 2008 by cancelling the Thames Gateway Bridge Scheme.

“His deathbed repentance on the need for new river crossings is too little and too late.”

He added: “While the Silvertown link is very welcome and will help to relieve the acute congestion which frequently affects the Blackwall Tunnel, the Mayor’s proposals for a ferry at Gallions Reach is an unsatisfactory alternative for the Thames Gateway Bridge.

“It also poses serious questions about the future of the existing Woolwich Ferry. Will this continue as a free service, or will it be subject to tolls or possible closure under the Mayor’s proposals?

“Over the past three and a half years the Mayor has failed to tackle the huge problem of inadequate cross-river links east of Tower Bridge.

“His last-minute change of heart will not convince the millions of people who have had to suffer the consequences of his inaction since his election”.

Fellow Labour MP Clive Efford has supported the idea of a Silvertown crossing for some time, even campaigning on the issue.