Mayor: Thames bridge security barriers are 'temporary measure'

Answering a question tabled by the Green Party's Caroline Russell AM, Sadiq Khan said: "The barriers that have now been put in place on many of London bridges are temporary measures that will help protect people from another attack, like those that led to tragic loss of life and injury at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge.

"Dr Will Norman, walking and cycling commissioner, has been leading work to ensure both the short and longer term solutions work as well as possible for all road users.

"TfL is working closely with the Metropolitan Police and its engineers have been reviewing all current and proposed measures to see what improvements can be made. As part of this process, TfL members of staff have cycled through the measures with the London Cycling Campaign to understand the issues."

Caroline Russell said: "After the terrible events at Westminster and London Bridge it is only right that security measures are stepped up to protect the public and prevent further atrocities.

"The new security barriers on London's bridges – while welcome – do need to be rethought.

"We can't risk creating new dangers for Londoners going about their daily business by making cyclists vulnerable – they now can't get off the road and out of the way of motor traffic quickly if something as simple as a puncture happens."