Representation by Mrs Fay Plumb
- Date submitted
- 8 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am convinced that it will not provide value for money and that Ministers are being mislead as the figures they will be presented with are two years out of date. It is an ill-conceived scheme because: Aspects of the original plans have been removed but still present costs are estimated to be £10bn+ - it will not provide value for money. It will not solve the problems at the Dartford crossing. Neither will it improve journeys for traffic travelling to the North of England. However, it will lead to an increase in demand of traffic crossing the Thames. The scheme lacks forethought about improving public transport. Carbon emissions will increase (estimate of 6.6 million tonnes). However, the technology to cut these emissions through carbon capture does not exist yet NH’s reports are based on this fact. The area will suffer more air and noise pollution without even meeting WHO-10's levels for PM2.5. Thurrock wards include some which are in the bottom 10% of the country in respect of health. It lacks connections and when there are incidents, local roads will be severely impacted. The already emergency services will also be stretched to cope. It will not help local businesses. National Highways proclaimed that the proposed road would 'play a vital role in connecting communities and bringing people closer to jobs and leisure opportunities' the proposed scheme places a greater burden on Thurrock people and businesses as local access to the proposed LTC is immensely limited. This is at odds with the Government's commitment to spread opportunity more equally. Thousands of acres of farmland will be lost (some it prime green belt) and being destroyed threatening food security. Woodlands (some ancient with veteran trees) will be destroyed during and affected by pollution afterwards. In turn this loss will have a disastrous affect on wildlife and habitats which includes protect ted species. Residents will have to tolerate air, noise and light pollution during construction in addition to being restricted on routes around the borough. This will have an adverse affect for local businesses.