AS predicted in a Thurrock Nub News story earlier today, chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that the government is seeking private finance options for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC).
Speaking to journalists and industrialists in Oxford Ms Reeves unveiled the government’s plans to “fight” for economic growth.
She dealt with a raft of topics including backing plans fo a third runway at Heathrow and a new football stadium for Manchester United.
Her brief focus on the Lower Thames crossing brought little new by focusing on seeking a private finance initiatve – a prospect featured on Nub News in August last year, she did not really touch upon the the use of the LTC to mitigate congestion and delay at the Dartford Crossing, which was originally a prime mover behind building the LTC.
She did focus on the ports of Harwich and Felixstowe having closer links to markets – though they are both well connected by the A12 and A14 option, the latter which is particularly relevant for traffic to and from the north or midland England as it dirctly connects with the A1 and M1.
She also mentioned Dover as part of the ports triangle, but did not reference the major dock terminals and logistics facilites at the Ports of Tilbury and Purfleet and also DP World London Gateway which were recently granted Freeport status, also to encourage economic growth.
Ms Reeves said: “We will work with the private sector to deliver the infrastructure that our country desperately needs.
“The Lower Thames Crossing will improve connectivity at Dover, Felixstowe and Harwich, alleviating severe congestion aas goods destined for export come from the north and the midlands and across the country to markets overseas.
“To drive growth and to deliver value for money for taxpayers we are exploring options to privately finance this important project.”
Cllrs Andrew Jefferies and Fraser Massey called on the government to change track.
The news was not welcomed by East Tilbury ward councillor Fraser Massey, who is chair of Thurrock Council’s Lower Thames Crossing Task Force.
In August he joined with then Thurrock Conservative leader Cllr Andrew Jefferies, calling for the government to change track.
AFter watching Ms Reeves deliver her statement he Nub News: “With today’s announcement by the chancellor the planning decision for Lower Thames Crossing looks to have been made, if not still publicly officially announced.
“If private funding is secured it seems certain to be taken forward. This, if built, will be a scar on the green belt in Thurrock forever more.
“The project’s cost to benefit is low, the carbon and build cost is high – even using old numbers.
“It is already outdated and would quickly be at capacity even when built.
“This is not the solution the South East needs, it is an expensive, damaging ‘sticking plaster’.
“It will lead to more HGVs going through the heart of Thurrock where levels of conditions such as COPD are already high.
“I had hoped the Government would use this time to quickly deliver a more suitable project but they seem to be pushing through with old plans and hoping someone else will pay for it.”
The initial deadline for deciding whether to grant a development consent order enabling National Highways to build the 14.3-mile road was June 20, but it was delayed until October 4 because of the general election. Then, in a surprise move, the then Transport Minister Louise Haigh announced a further delay.
Ecploratory work has been carried out in Kent, on the Thames and across Thurrock since 2009.
Preparatory work on the project has been ongoing since 2009, and more than £800 million of taxpayers’ money has been spent on planning.
The Lower Thames Crossing proposal involves a new motorway-style road that would reduce congestion on the Dartford Crossing. The road would connect the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 and M25 in Essex via a 2.6-mile tunnel under the Thames, which would be the UK’s longest road tunnel.
National Highways aimed to start construction in 2026, with the road opening in 2032.
Thurrock Council has consistently opposed the project, citing negative economic, social and environmental impacts, but the leader of Kent’s Dartford Borough Council is in favour of the scheme. Local campaigners Thames Crossing Action Group claim the crossing would be “hugely destructive and harmful” and a waste of money.
Ms Reeves made her speech in Oxfordshire, where she laid out plans for development in the corridor between Oxford and Cambridge to create a ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’.
