Plans unveiled for two major tunnels under River Thames

Plans for two major tunnels under the River Thames have been unveiled by the Mayor of London.

Boris Johnson claims that the project may reduce congestion in the city centre by up to a fifth.

The first tunnel would run from the A40 at Park Royal in west London to the A12 at Hackney Wick in east London and could be open by 2035.

It would be funded through toll charges.

The second would run west to east from the A4 in Chiswick to the A13 in Beckton.

Transport bosses have examined similar schemes in cities such as Stockholm and Boston.

Other options being considered are an orbital tunnel, a number of smaller tunnels and so-called flyunders around London.

Mr Johnson unveiled the plans as part of a wider roads strategy, including devolution of Vehicle Excise Duty and increased management of freight.

He claimed action is needed to ensure the capital can cope with its growing population, which is expected to rise from 8.6 million today to 10 million by 2030.

The mayor warned that central London congestion could increase by 60% over the same period unless his plans are put in place.