BEXLEYHEATH'S MP has accused Transport for London (TfL) of "mind boggling" ignorance of Bexley in its plans to build a new bridge across the Thames.

David Evennett was giving evidence at the public inquiry into plans for a £425m bridge at Thamesmead.

He was among a number of opponents to give their evidence at the session held in Bexley civic offices in Bexleyheath Broadway.

Mr Evennett said he was shocked by the lack of knowledge of the roads and traffic levels in Bexley shown by TfL during the inquiry.

He said: "I do not think TfL or the Mayor of London, or those who are proponents of this, have actually grasped the issues or looked at the whole aspect of regeneration, for the quality of life for people in Bexley."

Mr Evennett warned traffic congestion in the borough's roads would become worse and said he thought the idea of using tolls to restrict traffic was "ridiculous".

He said there has been no real argument for the need for the bridge and said Bexley's traditional poor air quality would be made even worse.

On behalf of the Liberal Democrats, former London mayoral candidate and former member of TfL Susan Kramer claimed the bridge had originally been conceived as a potential motorway access to a new London airport at Cliff in Kent.

She said she believed the project breached key principles underlying Ken Livingstone's transport strategy, especially the need to minimise car use.

She added: "It also strikes me as extraordinary TfL, having planned the bridge, has then to devise extensive road control schemes to limit access to it."

John Mercer, from Bexley Civic Society, said the group did not oppose the principle of the bridge but not one carrying six lanes of traffic which would only add to Bexley's traffic problems. He said a rail/pedestrian/cycle bridge was the best solution.