Good morning!

Today is the first day of the Wapping Bus Gateway.

Council staff have been on site this morning and our contractors have been busy getting things ready for weeks.

Here's some things to know about the gateway...

1. It isn't a gate! It's two automatic number plate recognition cameras pointing at the road right next to two signs. Any non-exempt vehicle passing over this point during peak hours will get spotted by the cameras and issued with a fine.

2. Emergency service vehicles and busses - including local school busses - are allowed to pass through the gateway at all times.

3. Any vehicle can pass through the gateway outside of peak hours on weekdays and all weekend. This decision was made to enable Wapping residents to drive whichever way they want to - without having to sign up (and pay admin fee) for a permit - for most of the week.

4. At peak times, only exempt vehicles are allowed to pass through. This will eliminate through traffic using Wapping simply to avoid the Highway. It also means some local vehicle journeys will have to change, but this is needed...

...if we are to take seriously the health impacts of air pollution that fall particularly heavily on children. And if we want to have a big positive impact on quality of life for Wapping residents, with much less noise pollution and safer streets too.

5. The fine for non-exempt vehicles passing through the gateway is £130, but early payment will reduce this to £65. Ideally the council will issue no fines whatsoever with all drivers avoiding the gateway during operational hours.

6. Residents can feedback on the gateway by emailing [email protected] or writing to us at the Town Hall with comments. We will review this feedback and make any necessary changes as part of a review of it's operation after 6 months.

7. Alongside the gateway we are about to formally consult Wapping residents on wider improvements to the ward. New pedestrian crossings, wider and continuous pavements to improve accessibility, better lit streets and new public spaces are all in the proposals.

8. Taken together, the gateway and the plans to be consulted on soon have the potential to be great for Wapping. Cleaner air, quieter and safer streets, better walking routes and beautiful public spaces.