Richmond residents must be consulted on the possibility of introducing tolls on Hammersmith Bridge to fund its refurbishment and re-opening, according to the local MP.

Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, told the House of Commons this week that re-opening the bridge must be a priority and that she does not necessarily oppose the idea of tolls.

However, she said it is important that residents are consulted on the design of the scheme, who would be charged and the scale of the fees.

Residents of Richmond borough, particularly Barnes, including school children, have suffered massive disruption and extra costs since the bridge was closed three years ago after cracks were found in the structure.

Hammersmith & Fulham Borough Council faces a multi-million pound bill to finance a portion of the refurbishment and it has indicated that it wants to seek third party funding. This could include the adoption of tolls.

Sarah Olney told the Commons: "If tolls are what's required to get the bridge open, I believe there would be public support for that in Richmond Park. However, it is a serious proposal that needs detailed consideration from all parties, especially in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. 

 "Without proper planning, a toll could result in the congestion affecting Chiswick and Putney bridges becoming a permanent issue, subjecting residents to increased noise pollution indefinitely. 

 "Residents do not know if they will have access to schools and healthcare services north of Thames in the near future. It is impossible to make plans and adequately prepare for changes without all parties providing a clear plan for the future of the bridge.'

Later she added: "If a toll were to be instituted on Hammersmith Bridge, it is vital that all stakeholders are properly consulted.

"While it is good that progress is being made, residents cannot be kept in the dark about issues that will affect them for decades to come.

"We urgently need to know if residents will have direct access to schooling and healthcare services across the river in the long term."

Some green campaigners have argued that cars should be permanently banned from the bridge in favour of cyclists, pedestrians and some minibus form of public transport.