Member Article

Local business views urged on Lower Thames Crossing development

Businesses of all shapes and sizes are being encouraged to submit their views on a new Lower Thames Crossing in Kent after Highways England launched an 8 week consultation process.

The proposed route, revealed today, would run from the end of the M2 in Kent, crossing the river just east of Gravesend and Tilbury and joining the M25 between junctions 29 and 30.

It is hoped the new route will help to reinvigorate local development, stimulate investment by supporting nationally important industries and drive job creation.

The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SE LEP), which represents more than 1,400 Kent businesses, is leading efforts to encourage firms throughout Kent and Essex to contribute to the consultation process.

George Kieffer, Interim Chairman of SE LEP, believes the development is a crucial part of developing local infrastructure and commented: “The Lower Thames Crossing is a critically important infrastructure not just for the SE LEP economy but also for London and for the country as a whole. I would encourage businesses of all sectors, sizes and location to contribute to this consultation.

“There is strong consensus that doing nothing is no longer an option. With the amount of vehicles on our roads, including HGVs, set to rise, we need to secure a new Lower Thames Crossing and add resilience to the strategic road network. We also need to take this opportunity to plan for the future and positively influence the potential shape of the road network in a way that works for the economy of the area.

“By having a strong business voice now we hope we can help get the right decision for the SE LEP area and the country as a whole. We need to push for a solution which will reduce the frustrations experienced by all from congestion, but more importantly open up the enormous potential of the local area in terms of new jobs and homes.”

Local businesses have until Thursday 24 March to submit their views on the proposals.