I’ve told Highways England that local motorists need to benefit from plans to build a tunnel under the Thames at Gravesend.
The Lower Thames Crossing could benefit people in Kent, but only if investment is made across the road network in the County. There’s no point shifting traffic problems at the Dartford Crossing to other parts of Kent.
Once the new crossing is open, local bottlenecks like the Stockbury roundabout and Brenley Corner could face even worse congestion as more motorists use the M2 to access the Channel ports and London.
There are already plans to improve the Stockbury roundabout and funding has been secured to development plans for a junction improvement scheme at Brenley Corner. These need to be completed before the Lower Thames Crossing is open to traffic, which is due in 2027/28.
Some of the worst traffic incidents in Kent are caused when there are delays to both the M2 and M20. I’ve called on Highways England to carry out any planned work to the M20 before work on the Lower Thames Crossing begins. People in Kent are fed up with needless disruption.
Read my response to the latest consultation on Lower Thames Crossing below.
