THURROCK’S MPs have spoken of their disappointment following today’s new Thames crossing announcement, but have urged residents to have their say in the consultation process.

Conservative’s Jackie Doyle-Price and Stephen Metcalfe have continuously lobbied the government to look further afield with a new crossing as opposed to come through the borough.

Despite their protests and the voices of many in Thurrock, the government today announced that Option C, near Tilbury, is their preferred route for a new crossing, and is most likely going to be a tunnel.

Echo:

Route three is the government's preferred option

Ms Doyle Price said: “The consultation paper explains they have rejected option D (Canvey) because it is too far from the existing crossing to have an impact on congestion. So we are left with four routes all of which go through Thurrock.

“Whilst I am not happy with that outcome, the need for more crossing capacity is unarguable. Congestion caused by the Dartford crossing causes misery for motorists and will cost jobs.

“Of the three routes at Option C, Highways England’s preferred route 3 is the one which is likely to have the most impact on residential communities and should be resisted. I am concerned that if Thurrock Council takes the line ‘none of the above’ we will end up with the worst possible option.

“Route 4, which links to the A127 is a game changer. It is less damaging to residential communities than any other and as it links to J29 it will mean that there is no need for further investment at Junction 30. “I look forward to hearing people’s views and will of course relay them to the Minister.”

Mr Metcalfe said: “I’m disappointed that the recommendation is to go for a crossing at option C, but I’m not surprised.

“We’ve made our case to have it spread wider but it obviously hasn’t been taken up. Now we’ve got to get the public to engage with the routes that will lead away from where the tunnel lands.”

He added: “I don’t want it, let’s be clear. If there’s a way to not make it happen then great. But I don’t want to rush making a decision on what’s the best option now.

“They’ve all got serious implications for the area, so it’s now a question of how it will impact the area. It will all take some time to take in a work out what works best, and I want people to engage in the process.

“We can continue to say that we don’t want this but if it’s going to come here then we’re best to engage and take part in the discussions.”

To take part in the consultation, go to lower-thames-crossing.co.uk