MP promises to not give up on Lower Thames Crossing
It's after the decision on it's future was delayed to next year.
Last updated 8th Oct 2024
The MP for Dartford has told us he will not give up on the Lower Thames Crossing, promising to fight for it's future.
It was announced yesterday that the nine billion pound tunnel would not be confirmed till next year, with a deadline for a decision being extended until May 2025.
One of the aims of the project is to reduce congestion on the Dartford Crossing, it's something that Jim Dickson, who is the MP for the area, has campaigned heavily for.
He said: "I'm disappointed about the delay. The crossing is needed now more than ever by my constituents who live with a cocktail of poor air quality and disruption to their lives as a result of the Dartford Crossing, which is way over capacity.
"People can't get to work, they can't get to hospital appointments on time, they are late for school and this has to come to an end with the Lower Thames Crossing as soon as possible, we need solution as this is fundamental to that.
"I will continue to argue that the government should move the scheme forward, find a way of funding and get shovels in the ground as soon as possible, right the way up until May, when we hope there will be a decision.
When asked why he thinks the government have delayed the decision, he said: "They wish to try and a line the planning process with the budgetary cycle so id' hope they can look at the planning for the scheme and hopefully consent it while also looking at the budget at the same time.
"And the hope would be come May, we would get a decision on planning as as well as the funding which means we can get spades in the ground as soon as possible, which is what I'll be arguing with ministers.
The initial deadline for a decision on whether to grant a development consent order was initially scheduled for June 20, but was delayed until October 4 because of the general election. Work on the project has been ongoing since 2009.
The Lower Thames Crossing proposal is aimed at reducing congestion on the Dartford Crossing with a new motorway-style road.
It would connect Kent and Essex via a 2.6-mile long tunnel under the Thames, between Gravesend and Thurrock. It would be the UK's longest road tunnel.