Concerns have been raised over the decision to abolish a rush-hour traffic system in the Blackwall Tunnel, which could have a massive effect on congestion in the area.

The tidal flow system, which was used for nearly 30 years, previously let traffic travel in opposite directions through the southbound tunnel in the morning rush hour.

This meant there were three lanes carrying traffic northbound instead of the usual two.

It has been used since 1978 to cope with heavy demand of people travelling this way under the Thames.

There have been 99 collisions in the Blackwall Tunnel in the past three years up to last September.

Transport for London (TfL) also states there has been an increase in dangerous driving - including overtaking in the tunnel.

This led the Metropolitan Police and TfL to end the system last Friday.

TfL's managing director of surface transport David Brown said: "The safe and efficient operation of traffic through the Blackwall Tunnel is our primary concern.

"The increasing number of near misses in this enclosed environment poses a significant safety risk and endangers lives."

But Lewisham Conservative Councillor David Britton, who uses the tunnel to get to work each morning in Hackney, believes it will add another 15 to 30 minutes to peoples' journeys.

The 60-year-old said: "I think it's appalling. You won't find a single driver who will say something different.

"I have been doing this journey for 20 years and Monday was the worst I have ever seen."

He added: "Because of a minor problem they have created a major problem. There is congestion right the way through Greenwich.

"Congestion and pollution will grow. It goes against all these things Ken Livingstone is standing for.

"They should scrap the experiment at once and go back to what it was."

TfL says increased congestion at the south approach to the tunnel is expected and will be monitored.

It will try to bring in measures to combat it.

Detective Superintendent Glyn Jones from the Met Police's Traffic Command Unit said: "The service is committed to working together with partners to make London the safest city in the world.

"We have a continuing commitment to reducing injuries and fatalities due to road traffic collisions.

"Our monitoring of the behaviour of tunnel traffic has led us to the conclusion, agreed with TfL, the tidal flow should cease."

Eltham MP Clive Efford, who used the old tidal flow system, said: "I wasn't consulted on it closing.

"If there is a suggestion people have been driving dangerously, their safety comes first.

"But it will create a massive amount of congestion for people.

"I would like to see more public transport."