 By the early 20th century , Chelsea Bridge was in poor condition . It was unable to carry the increasing volume of traffic caused by the growth of London and the increasing popularity of the automobile ; between 1914 and 1929 use of the bridge almost doubled from 6 @,@ 500 to 12 @,@ 600 vehicles per day . In addition , parts of its structure were beginning to work loose , and in 1922 the gilded finials on the towers had to be removed because of concerns that they would fall off . Architectural opinion had turned heavily against Victorian styles and Chelsea Bridge was now deeply unpopular with architects ; former President of the Royal Institute of British Architects Reginald Blomfield spoke vehemently against its design in 1921 , and there were few people supporting the preservation of the old bridge . In 1926 the Royal Commission on Cross @-@ river Traffic recommended that Chelsea Bridge be rebuilt or replaced . 
