Representation by Trevor Thacker
- Date submitted
- 17 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am strongly opposed to the Lower Thames Crossing. In short, the LTC is not fit for purpose as it does not decrease congestion at the Dartford Crossing! National Highways state that the LTC will only reduce traffic by 21% at the Dartford Crossing at opening and by even less as time goes on. Since traffic levels tend only to increase, this initial reduction will soon be negated and the Dartford Crossing will be as congested as it is now, if not more so, and the problem unsolved. The discarded Option A & A14 (expanding the Dartford Crossing) is the only option that actually increases capacity at the Dartford Crossing and this option should be reconsidered and consulted upon. Since the Dartford Crossing will still be over capacity if the LTC opens, there will be no improvement on the traffic situation on local roads. In fact, if there are incidents on the M25 and LTC at the same time, the effect on local roads will be even worse! The LTC will not solve the problems of the Dartford Crossing. Instead it will bring a massive amount of new traffic into the area and will increase pollution levels and lead to destruction of local environment and wildlife and negatively impact lives, communities and homes. All of these negative impacts are unnecessary and simply unacceptable when other less destructive solutions such as Option A & A14 are available. Here is a summary of my main objections: • It does not provide a solution to the problems of the Dartford Crossing eg congestion. • The LTC does not meet scheme’s objectives. • It will actually increase river traffic across the Thames by around 50%. • The LTC will lead to an increase huge increase in carbon emissions. • At a cost of £9-10bn+ the LTC does not represent value for money. Further more it will need further spending to complete side projects not included in the scheme and to actually fix the problems at the Dartford Crossing which the LTC does not solve! • Thousands of acres of farmland will be lost or severely impacted, jeopardizing the UK’s food security. • The LTC will destroy and severely impact: woodland (including ancient woodland and veteran trees), hedgerows and the greenbelt. • There will be a devastating impact on wildlife and habitat, including protected species. • The LTC will cause an unacceptable increase in air and noise pollution. It fails on WHO-10 levels for PM2.5. • There is no provision for cross river travel by bike, foot, horse etc. Its is not viable for travel by public transport due to lack of adequate connections. • There will be huge destruction and negative impacts to numerous homes and communities. • The construction impacts will be significant on many levels (pollution, carbon emissions noise etc) and will have a deleterious and devastating effect on many peoples lives, homes and communities. • There is a lack of adequate connections - especially when there are incidents.