A project to build a new bridge across the Thames in the south-east of London now had funding to the tune of £200 million approved from the government.

The £450 million development and construction cost would be met jointly through Transport for London (TfL), a toll on vehicles using the bridge and also by up to £200 million of government PFI credits.

TfL expects the bridge to encourage housing on either side of the Thames and estimates it could create around 25,000 jobs in the region.

The project does not yet have planning permission and authorisation of the project is subject to a public inquiry.

A recent study found that 85 per cent of East Londoners want the bridge to be built, but objectors such as the Friends of the Earth say the road bridge would be bad for local people and bad for the environment by increasing traffic and pollution.

FoE says the recent public consultation on the bridge was flawed, as there was inadequate information available and no alternative schemes were offered. “People should be offered real choices on what transport options would best help their area and improve transport access,” said Friends of the Earth's London campaigns co-ordinator Jenny Bates.

The Thames Gateway bridge, which would have two lanes in either direction for cars and commercial vehicles, as well as separate lanes for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists, would link Beckton with Thamesmead at Gallions Reach and is expected to stimulate housing and commercial development in the area.

London Transport Minister Tony McNulty said the bridge would be a catalyst for an area with enormous potential.

"It would not only provide a huge much needed boost to the local economy, but stand as an impressive landmark representing a positive future for the Thames Gateway region," he said.