Public consultation on Lower Thames crossing largest ever

A public consultation for a new lower Thames crossing drew more than 47,00 people, making it the biggest ever consultation for a UK road project according to Highways England.

The two-month consultation ended today (24 May 2016) and asked for people to give their views on the proposed routes for a new road crossing below the Thames.

The lower Thames crossing will be the first new crossing of the Thames east of London since the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge opened at Dartford 25 years ago.

Of the 47,000 people who took part, almost 30,000 made their views known online, with 3,700 filling in a paper questionnaire and around 13,000 sent a letter or email. The consultation also saw over 500 local government and industry groups respond.

A final decision will be made by the government on the preferred route later in the year following an analysis of the responses.

Highways England Consultation Manager Martin Potts said: “This is a fantastic level of engagement, and I am grateful to everyone who took the time to take part in the consultation. We set out to reach as many people as possible, to let them know about our plans and to seek their views, and public’s response has exceeded our expectations.

“The route for a new lower Thames crossing is a massive decision and it is vital that we get it right. I am very encouraged at the significant number of responses that we have received, as they will really help us to make the best possible recommendation to government about the route that this vital new road link should take.”

The new route could be in use by 2025 and is envisaged will unlock new potential for economic growth and help with congestion at the existing Dartford Crossing.

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