Consultation in June regarding a new Lower Thames Crossing risks taking into account only the views of disgruntled local people, a meeting of the South East Local Transport Board heard last week.

Board chairman John Spence said: “I am delighted to see there are several consultation sessions, but they are all close to the crossing themselves including events at Lakeside and Bluewater shopping centres and in Gravesend. More strategically placed events further away such as in Colchester and Maidstone would, it seems to me, get a different response.”

Kent County Council leader Paul Carter endorsed that view. “Events in Colchester and Maidstone would get more representative views and not just those of NIMBYs. It should be seriously considered.”

A Department for Transport representative said there is currently no preferred option as to which of three schemes announced earlier last week should be taken forward. “The consultation runs until 16 July and we have spread the word widely through Twitter and the internet, and there is an easy to use online questionnaire people can use,” she said.

Option A is a new crossing at the site of the exiting Dartford Crossing (pictured), Option B links the A2 and the A1089 and Option C connects the M2 with the A13 and the M25 between junctions 29-30.

The issue of Crossrail and the type of service to be expected was also discussed. Southend councillor John Mann said: “I am very supportive of Crossrail but wonder why Liverpool Street out to Stratford and Shenfield will be a stopping service. This is a fast line and should only have limited stops.” He pointed out that journey times from Shenfield to Heathrow are expected to be around 75 minutes.

“I can get all the way from Southend to Heathrow by car in just over two hours, so why on earth would I want to do that journey by train if it is not a fast service?”

Network Rail’s Richard Howkins responded: “Crossrail will be a stopping service and this is because that will provide the best economic benefit for London businesses.”

(Photo: John Winfield)

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