Lower Thames Crossing needed for 'economic growth'

The Lower Thames Crossing would connect Dartford and Thurrock

Calls for the Lower Thames Crossing to link Kent and Essex via a tunnel under the Thames have been renewed, with a Kent MP raising the issue in Parliament.

Dartford MP Jim Dickson says it is "critical in starting economic growth" and the crossing would end gridlock in Dartford.

A decision on whether to go ahead had been expected in early October but has now been delayed until May 2025.

The government says the project is being thoroughly considered.

The crossing would link Gravesend in Kent and Thurrock in Essex via a 2.6 mile (4.1km) tunnel.

James Forrester, managing director of Paramount Garage in Dartford says traffic congestion makes trade very difficult

James Forrester, managing director of Paramount Garage in Greenhithe, Kent, says he supports the plans.

He said traffic is "crippling" and makes it "very difficult to run a business".

Mr Forrester believes a new crossing would "free up flow" and "opens up infrastructure on the other side".

In the Westminster Hall debate the Dartford Labour MP, Jim Dickson, highlighted gridlock caused by the closure of one of the tunnels at the Dartford Crossing on 21 October.

He said the current Dartford Crossing handles 50,000 more vehicles a day than originally intended.

Mr Dickson says the case for the project are "compelling, and the merits are huge".

Others oppose the plans, with Gravesham Labour MP Lauren Sullivan saying her constituency would "suffer from poorer air quality and increased congestion".

There are also concerns over damage to the green belt and ancient woodland.

Jen Craft, the Labour MP for Thurrock, told the debate her constituents were not so supportive, pointing out it would only mitigate the current traffic problems for five to 10 years.

Lilian Greenwood MP, a minister at the Department for Transport says the government "fully appreciates the importance of this proposal" to Dartford and that it is being "thoroughly considered".