‘Momentous’ Lower Thames Crossing decision
The Lower Thames Crossing application has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.
THE ROAD crossing connecting Kent, Thurrock and Essex will be approximately 14.5 miles in length, and will connect to the existing road network from the A2/M2 to the M25 with two tunnels (one southbound and one northbound) running beneath the River Thames.
Logistics UK chief executive David Wells OBE says it will drive growth across the whole economy: “Businesses up and down the country are currently hamstrung by delays crossing the Thames, so the government’s decision to approve the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order (DCO) today is excellent news.
“The scheme has been in the planning stages for over a decade and this is a momentous decision: industry is united in its backing for this vital trade route and when completed will unlock UK logistics, drive growth and help keep supply chains moving across the whole country.”
With a local perspective, Andrew Baxter, chief executive officer at Dartford-headquartered logistics operator, Europa Worldwide Group adds: “We have always supported the campaign for the Lower Thames Crossing. There is a huge personal advantage for people in Dartford, where our 27k sq.ft European road transport hub is located. Currently, more than 300 of our employees must navigate vast amounts of congestion just to get to and from work.”
