Representation by John Elliott
- Date submitted
- 24 January 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I do find some difficulty in conforming exactly with the National Policy Statement as it is clearly in conflict with more recent government policies (eg the carbon reduction strategy and the Environment Act). However the consequences of my main points will demonstrate that this proposed scheme does not work in any respect. It is stated and I understand that the main purpose of the LTC is to relieve traffic and congestion at Dartford. Furthermore the methods used by National Highways to quantify economic benefits of the scheme are highly suspect and do not provide our decision makers with a useful and honest explanation of the real benefits. It is notable also that even the calculated 'economic' benefit cost ratio is extremely low when compared with almost any other investment and so provides extremely poor value for the taxpayer. Predicted national Traffic growth (if it is natural) together with its use in this particular area would also be covered. It is clear from much evidence that the modelling shows that the LTC will relieve Dartford crossing. National Highways evidence does and will show that there is some but quite small relief. There is clear real evidence that, certainly river crossings of the Thames, will only provide very small relief and that only for up to about two years at peak times - the times when congestion and any falsely calculated relief would normally be calculated as providing a significant part of the 'economic benefits'. While the effects on traffic across the river and on both sides will make congestion worse throughout the area, there would also be consequential effects on pollution and reliability the latter of which is key for business as there will be more widespread and unpredictable congestion. While I understand that there has been much option consideration, there are many other strategies (including non-road options) for reducing congestion at Dartford Crossing. While this would not form the main part of my representations they should perhaps be considered at the hearing.