A campaign group is arguing that Hammersmith Bridge should be turned into a permanent cycle route across the Thames with bike taxis and even autonomous pods to carry pedestrians.

The group – Possible – argues that the historic bridge should never again be open to cars, buses and vans in a move to combat emissions, pollution and climate change.

The team will be holding an event at Barnes Farmers Market tomorrow – Saturday – to outline its vision for the bridge, which closed to traffic three years ago following the discovery of cracks in the structure.

Also present will be a team from City Shuttle, a futuristic battery powered rickshaw shuttle service, who have been investigating running a service across the bridge.

It is fitted with phone chargers, Bluetooth, cupholders, Wi-Fi, a fold out desk and even a defibrillator ready for any medical emergency.

The service has won support from the Barnes Community Association and the Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney.

Hammersmith & Fulham Council is leading a stabilisation project to make the bridge safe ahead of a more substantial restoration to allow all vehicles to return.

However, Possible argues this should not be pursued, saying "The bridge was never designed to carry car traffic.

"Now multi-million pound 'stabilisation' works have finally begun to make the bridge safe for walking and cycling (and river traffic passing beneath) in perpetuity.

"But the local council still seems adamant on finding a way to reopen the bridge to cars asap. Possible is asking the question - what if it didn't?

"Thanks to the utility of bridges they regularly become bottlenecks for motor traffic, exacerbating emissions and traffic in local areas.

"If we only let climate-friendly travel on the bridge, imagine how much cleaner the air would be and how much healthier the population. Perhaps most importantly, if London is to meet its net zero targets by 2030, then we need to reduce car vehicle kilometres on our streets by 27%.

"Honouring our climate commitments demands bold - and politically courageous - new thinking. Therefore, we all need to be asking ourselves - what if Hammersmith Bridge remained closed to motor traffic forever?"

The group will be outlining it alternative, which would see the bridge only open to bikes, cargo bikes, e-scooters and autonomous pods for those with mobility issues. All these vehicles will be on display at the event on Saturday.

The group added: "We know that West London's traffic woes extend well beyond Barnes and Hammersmith, so we have worked hard to develop a holistic plan which can sustainably meet the mobility needs of all West Londoners."

It says public feedback will help inform our final proposal that we will present to the relevant authorities 'as a climate and people-friendly alternative to spending vast sums of public money to invite 25,000 motor vehicles back across the Thames every day'.

The event will take place between 10am and 2pm.