Kentish Express Ashford & District
Record numbers comment on Lower Thames Crossing
More than 26,000 people had their say on plans to build the Lower Thames Crossing.
The ten-week consultation involved 60 events, which were attended by nearly 15,000 people.
It also included a wide-ranging online consultation, with people from every corner of the UK commenting on the proposals.
According to Highways England, the crossing will nearly double road capacity across the River Thames, almost halving northbound journey times at the Dartford Crossing when it opens in 2027. Residents were urged to have their say on the controversial project before final plans were submitted.
The first consultation attracted 47,000 responses, which was a record for a UK road scheme.
Tim Jones, project director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said: “The consultation is arguably the most significant that has ever been held into a UK road scheme, and we have had an excellent response.
“We have endeavoured to ensure everyone who has an interest has had the chance to have their say so that we can take those views to develop the best possible project.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to come to our events and to respond to the consultation. The feedback will play an important role in the evolution of our design.
“We will continue to work with local authorities, communities and stakeholders as we continue to develop our proposals to maximise the benefits and reduce the impact locally, regionally and nationally.”
The three-lane dual carriageway will connect the M2 near Rochester and the M25 in Essex, between North and South Ockenden, and motorists are likely to have to pay to use the route. The cost of which has not been revealed.