Transport experts are calling for the Lower Thames Crossing to be scrapped

The long-awaited river crossing has been dubbed a “doomsday dinosaur program” by a transportation expert.

On the eve of the Government’s decision on the future of the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) project for Gravesham and Thurrock, an independent report by the Transport Action Network (TAN) has highlighted failings.

Written by transport consultant Dr Colin Black, who served as Thurrock Council’s strategic lead during the consideration of the Program Consent Order (DCO), the report was submitted to Labour’s Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh.

Describing LTC as a “dinosaur program from another era that really should go extinct”, the report said it had failed tests on congestion relief, environmental benefits and value for money, among others.

Instead, the report predicted that the existing Dartford Crossing would return to current traffic congestion levels just five years after the LTC opened.

It also said more than six million tonnes of carbon dioxide would be generated during construction and its operation would lead to more deaths and serious injuries due to its design following controversial smart motorway standards.

It also failed affordability and value for money tests, with forecasters calculating it to be more expensive per kilometer than HS2.

Traffic in Thurrock and Gravesham is expected to increase significantly as a result.

“A diagram of a dinosaur from another era that really should go extinct.”

The report indicated that this would not benefit bus travel as it was designed to exclude viable bus services across the estuary, and the increase generated was calculated to be just 0.03% for the UK economy.

The LTC scheme is expected to cost at least £9 billion and will be the largest program left over from the Conservative roads programme.

However, for every pound spent it is expected to return only 22p, which is believed to be a much lower return than the range of public transport, rail freight and active travel schemes awaiting funding across England.

TAN founder and director Chris Todd is calling on the government to cancel the program to avoid a “costly mistake”.

He said: ‘In her speech to last week’s Labor Party Conference, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP declared that the Government was “not just cleaning up the mess of the last fourteen years – we are ripping out the very roots of Thatcherism that have undermined and destroyed our transport system for decades.”

“There is no more tangible manifestation of this than the bloated roads program inherited from the Conservatives. LTC is its most grotesque example and a dinosaur even on its own terms.

“We urge Louise Haigh to heed Colin Black’s warnings, cancel her LTC and avoid a costly mistake for British taxpayers. Instead, investments should focus on public transport and active travel programs that truly support the government’s five missions.

“Redirecting some of the savings from canceling LTC and other routes could help repair the existing pothole-riddled network. This would fulfill the promise of Labour’s manifesto and is popular – 80% of the public support this approach.

Lauren Sullivan MP (Lab), who represents Gravesham, added her objection.

“I remain opposed to crossing the Lower Thames, as I have done from day one. I have concerns about the environmental impact, noise disruption and health issues for those living closest to the tunnel portal and approach to Gravesend.

“I also have serious concerns about the wider impact on traffic on the A227 which will result in increased traffic through Meopham, Vigo and Istead Rise for people traveling to the M20.

“Without improvements to the Blue Bell Hill intersection, this will have a significant impact on my constituents and businesses in the area.

“We are calling on Louise Haigh to… avoid a costly mistake.”

“The negative impact on the environment and ancient woodland, as well as the wider impact on Gravesham, has not yet been mitigated.

“This includes local questions around skills and training, free or discounted travel for Gravesham residents, increased environmental improvements, infrastructure to support the use of hydrogen fuel, improved leisure infrastructure linked to the new Cascades Leisure Centre, an adequate supply of housing to support the construction of a workforce LTC and the impact on two Traveler locations.

“We need to place greater emphasis on public transport solutions that are consistent with our environmental goals, such as expanded river crossing services, cheaper bus journeys and a fit for purpose rail network to encourage fewer cars on the road.”

The project to create a tunnel under the Thames linking land east of Gravesend with Essex has received strong support from Kent’s business community, who believe it will be key to improving transport links with the rest of the country.

The development consent order was withdrawn following the announcement of a general election. This decision will give the program the green light to proceed if approved.