The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has complained that the government is adding further delay to the process of building a new Lower Thames Crossing.
It followed an announcement by transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin that it will now undertake “detailed planning” of two possible locations for the new crossing after a consultation on options.
These are Option A: close to the existing crossing and Option C: connecting the A2 and M2 to the M25 via the A13.
The Department for Transport said this will not delay the delivery of the future scheme, but gives the Highways Agency enough time to assess the new remote payment system at the Dartford-Thurrock crossing, due to be launched in October.
However, the FTA said a decision needs to be made “sooner rather than later”.
Malcolm Bingham, FTA head of road network management policy, said: “Once again the DfT’s announcement today brings us no closer to building the much needed new Lower Thames Crossing. Congestion needs tackling now, and this appraisal appears to add further delay to the process of building the crossing.”
Option B: connecting the A2 with the A1089, was ruled out by the DfT last December.
