Richmond commutes Hammersmith Bridge may soon include driverless cars

Richmond commutes Hammersmith Bridge have been disrupted since 2020 are now part of a driverless vehicle proposal. A local not-for-profit group suggests using autonomous shuttles across the 139-year-old crossing, which has been closed to motor traffic for six years after structural cracks appeared. If you’ve been adding fifteen minutes to your westward journey since the closure, this proposal could eventually restore a direct route, though it’s still at the idea stage rather than the planning table.

The bridge linking Hammersmith to Barnes has been shut to vehicles since cracks appeared in its pedestals, forcing longer diversions through Chiswick or Putney.

What the driverless proposal involves

The concept is straightforward enough. A west London not-for-profit has put forward the idea of running autonomous vehicles across Hammersmith Bridge, which remains open only to cyclists and pedestrians. The Grade II listed structure closed to motor traffic in 2026, and plans to strengthen it for conventional vehicles were shelved. Driverless shuttles would theoretically weigh less than private cars and could operate on a controlled, predictable route. The proposal is still in its early stages, with no confirmed funding, operator, or regulatory pathway yet in place. It’s the kind of solution that sounds plausible until you remember how long it takes to trial new technology on heritage infrastructure.

How this could affect your commute

If you live in Richmond and work west of the river, the bridge closure has cost you time since 2020. Your alternative routes currently take you either south via Chiswick Bridge or north through Putney, adding ten to twenty minutes depending on traffic. A driverless shuttle service, if it ever materialises, would restore a direct crossing for those willing to use shared autonomous transport rather than their own vehicle. The service would likely operate on a fixed schedule with limited capacity, more akin to a river bus than a conventional road. For cyclists and pedestrians, nothing would change; you already have access. For drivers hoping to take their own car across, this proposal offers no relief. The real question is whether enough people would switch to a shuttle to justify the investment, or whether most would simply continue their current detour.

What this means for you

At present, this proposal changes nothing about your commute, but it’s worth keeping on your radar if you regularly travel between Richmond and areas west of Hammersmith. If the scheme gains traction, there will be public consultations about operation times, capacity, and fares, and those details will matter if you’re considering it as a viable alternative. In the meantime, continue to plan your westward journeys via Chiswick or Putney bridges. If you rely on the 33 or 72 bus routes affected by the closure, no changes to those services have been announced in connection with this proposal. Watch the Hammersmith & Fulham Council website for any updates on bridge projects, as they will be the consenting authority for any trial. The driverless car proposal for Hammersmith Bridge is an interesting idea, but it remains just that for now: an idea without funding, approval, or timeline. For Richmond residents who’ve adjusted their commutes over the past six years, it’s one to watch rather than rely on.

The timing matters because transport planning typically moves slowly, and any trial would need extensive safety testing and regulatory approval before autonomous vehicles could carry passengers across a listed structure.

Frequently asked questions

When will Hammersmith Bridge reopen to normal traffic?

There is no confirmed date for the bridge to reopen to conventional motor vehicles. Strengthening plans were shelved, and the driverless vehicle proposal is still in early discussion stages with no approved timeline.

Can I still walk or cycle across Hammersmith Bridge?

Yes. The bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists, as it has been since restrictions were eased after the initial 2020 full closure.

Would I be able to take my own car across if driverless shuttles are introduced?

No. The proposal involves only autonomous shuttle vehicles operating on a fixed route. Private cars would not be permitted, and the bridge would not reopen to general motor traffic under this plan.

How much longer does my journey take because of the Hammersmith Bridge closure?

Most Richmond residents travelling west add between ten and twenty minutes to their journey, depending on whether they divert via Chiswick Bridge to the south or Putney Bridge to the north, and on prevailing traffic conditions.

Useful resources

• https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/hammersmith-bridge