Stephen Metcalfe MP urges constituents to make views known on crossing plans

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, is urging constituents to take part in a Government consultation on plans to build a lower Thames crossing.

The plans were put forward by Roads Minister Stephen Hammond with the aim to reduce congestion and boost growth. The Government have put forward 3 options and the consultation is the first step in deciding on the location of a new crossing.

The options are:

• Option A: at the site of the existing A282 Dartford-Thurrock river crossing
• Option B: connecting the A2 with the A1089
• Option C: connecting the M2 with the A13 and the M25 between junctions 29 and 30
• a variant for option C would additionally widen the A229 between the M2 and M20

The local MP has expressed grave concerns over Option C which would cut through green belt land in Thurrock and have a significant environmental impact.

He commented: “I am pleased that the Government wants to tackle congestion in the area but Option C is certainly not the right way to do it. I want the Government to look at wider options, not just those in Thurrock and to demonstrate that any new crossing will definitely alleviate congestion at the Dartford Crossing.”

“The views of local people must be heard and I would encourage my constituents to attend the upcoming consultation meetings and to visit the website and have their say.”

Mr Metcalfe added: “Under the plans, free flow tolling will increase capacity by 20% which, whilst a welcome addition, does not go far enough. We have overcrowded road networks in Thurrock with local residents paying too much to use the crossing. Not only will I be opposing option C but I will keep pushing for the existing crossing to be free for Thurrock Residents as it is them who suffer the most.”

The consultation website address is: 
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport/series/lower-thames-crossing
Follow the link to have your say.