May 8th, 2007

A commonly used stretch of road in England's capital city of London has seen chaos over the last couple of days due to an asbestos scare. Rush hour in the city, which already faces terrible chaos as a result of heavy traffic, has been a nightmare for drivers using the roads and carriageways around the Blackwall tunnel. This was due to a clean-up of asbestos that is being carried out.

The roads around the tunnel had to be closed earlier this week after two bags of asbestos fell from a van. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause a range of health problems through exposure, including respiratory problems, lung scarring, and a form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

A London traffic spokesman stated: "Air sampling tests will need to be carried out before the tunnel can be reopened to the public. Police are directing northbound traffic off the A2 at the Sun in Sands roundabout up Shooters Hill or across Blackheath. Drivers are advised to use the M25 Dartford River Crossing."

He added: "Our priority is obviously securing the tunnel and reopening it for the travelling public but once that's done the hunt will be on for the individual who brought south-east London to a standstill. Not only was this driver reckless in failing to secure the load but they also failed to stop at the scene of the potentially very serious incident."