11 Dec Submission- Nicholas Newton
Could going underground solve London’s traffic problems as Mayor Sadiq Khan plans for a new tunnel next to the Blackwall Tunnel?
Why do we need a new Tunnel?
A recent article in the New Civil Engineer, that states a delay in the construction of the West Slivertown Tunnel, due to concerns of air pollution in London. Both friends of The Earth and Southwark Council have raised concern that this could cause air quality problems. However with cars only being able to go through two lanes of traffic either side of the Blackwall Tunnel, there is a desperation for a new way to cross the Thames. I’ve investigated, traffic on the Blackwall Tunnel to find the problem.
What is it like using the Tunnel?
I went out with Peter Sutton, 51 a driver from Bexleyheath, London. He regularly drives through the Blackwall Tunnel to go to work. I met Peter at Bow Church roundabout, less than 11 minute drive from the roundabout. While I waited for Peter to pick me up, I could see the stream of traffic, as Peter approach me. When Peter creeped towards me I had waited nearly 15 minutes before he pulled over. Once I got into he’s van we continue to creep towards the Blackwall Tunnel. I asked Peter how he feel, having to do this every night, which he responded; “I don’t know why that Crossrail construction, don’t just go to the East a bit and just make another tunnel.”
What would a new Tunnel Mean?
I asked Peter about a possibility of a new Tunnel. “Of course another tunnel will make a difference. It will give another option”. After meeting Peter at around 5:20pm, we made it through the tunnel and on the other said at around 6:10pm. The journey was estimated to take about 15 minutes . One of the main problems that we also faced, is that many vehicles have to move out into the outside before entering the tunnel. Peter said “This just slows the process down, because you have to allow them back in, on the south side.”
My research on Google maps
Opposition to the West Slivertown Tunnel
The No to West Slivertown Tunnel, feel strongly against the proposed idea. A spokesmen said “Studies have showed that building new roads is likely to increase the overall amount of traffic.” With the research that I mentioned earlier I would have to agree with the comments mentioned. However this does beg the question of what other alternatives for drivers, like Peter are struggling to get cross the River Thames via car can do. They will still struggle to travel through the Blackwall Tunnel on a daily basis.
The Blackwall Tunnel can not continue to take as much traffic as it does now. Therefore a new situation is in-oder, to solve the problem At the moment the only real possibility is the West Slivertwon Tunnel. This may cause more traffic, as the No to West Slivertown Tunnel campaign mentioned. However in a situation where the Blackwall Tunnel could be shut or close one of its lanes. There is no alternatives for drivers today.
Video Package
Cyber-Bullying
For the VT we covered a story of Prince William and YouTube partnering up to tackle cyber-bullying for the young. We went to find out what people feel about YouTube actions to prevent Cyber-Bullying.
16th November 2017
Our VT package for the 16th November 2017, was of an event that would be taken place on the day of the live broadcast. The story was Prince William going to the YouTube My Space to talk to people about Cyber-Bullying. We knew that this would be an important event and we wanted to cover the story in the best way possible. Being very limitied in the access and availability of key people to work with, we still was able to produce a good package. My role in the VT was to be the Presenter. I had done this role several times and this week was the best one I felt. We had a filming sequence at the end and the vox pop were strong as well. I had to research the story to ensure that I knew what I was writing in the script, for the Piece to camera. I then had to approach people on the street and explain the story. I also ensured that I gave them a good question to react and ensure that we had a good vox pop.
Nick Newton- Presenter
Franscia Maria Silva- Camera person
Emma Parker- Editor
Ralitsa Arabadzhieva- Web Article
Radio Package
Armistice day on Borough Market 10th November 2017
In this package I speak to people about what the think when they fall silent to remember does that have died during wars and conflict. This radio package has a lot of personal statements that make the package really good to listen to and reflect for Armistice day.
For this package I had to go out on my own to find people to speak to them about what they personally think about when they all silent for two minutes. It is a very rare time when London and the country falls silent to reflect on those who have given up their lives for us. It was time reason that I put forward the idea of covering Remembrance in the angle. I started by choosing by location and then going to Borough Market. Once there I quickly write out by script for my opening and recorded the introduction to my package. Once this was done I then went to find people to talk to about the question of ‘What do they think of when they all silent during Armistice day?’. After getting my Vox Pops, I write out the ending and recorded it. Once this was done I went back to university to edit. I was able to find all the audio files and edit the package on time. One of the main comments back from people, we the content within the Armistice day packages. The Vox pops were personal and really made the radio package stand out.
