Pinsent Masons named Energy & Infrastructure Projects Team of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2019

Acclaimed by the judges for 'employing impressive legal technical solutions in a politically sensitive project', the tunnel was the first ever local transport project to be designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project by the Secretary of State for transport. 

It is also the first time a road crossing east of Tower Bridge has been given consent since 1991, following previous failed attempts with the Thames Gateway Bridge and other crossings. 

The project involved the creation of a complex 150 page statutory instrument, which included a flexible road user changing mechanism that TfL can adjust according to traffic demand and congestion, as well as addressing environmental impacts such as air pollution and vehicle emissions. The firm also provided guidance on the planning process to the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Greenwich helped to co-ordinate their engagement with TfL. 

Robbie Owen, lead partner on the project said, "The whole team is delighted to have won this prestigious award particularly as the Silvertown Tunnel project has been one of the most challenging and controversial infrastructure projects in London in recent years. As the first ever local transport project designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, it benefitted from a fast-track planning process, which helped TfL to bring forward contractor procurement, leading to its announcement of a preferred bidder only earlier this month. "

Pinsent Masons has a long-standing relationship with TfL and in May 2019 the firm was appointed to TfL's new legal panel.