Representation by Michael Ashby
- Date submitted
- 22 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The 'Lower Thames Crossing' proposal supports reducing congestion at the Dartford crossing and providing more connectivity between Kent and Essex. The proposal also suggests reducing pollution in the Dartford area by spreading traffic congestion. The Dartford crossing connects directly to the M25 motorway and supports over 180,000 vehicles daily, including many large and heavy goods vehicles. The area within the M25 is subject to the expanding Ultra low emission zone. My counter-argument based on the above starts by questioning the redirection of congestion from the M25 and Dartford area into local Kent villages such as Cobham, Meopham and Thong, with a primary concern for the A227 main village road between the M20 and the A2 that currently is not within any congestion or emission expansion plans. This road would become a main connection route for traffic moving between the A2 and M20, compared to the current M25 supporting this throughput. Country lanes support this road and already have periods of high congestion, which will further be impacted by increased traffic flow for any transport vehicle that wishes to remain outside the M25 and make crossings via the Lower Thames. There is currently no suggestion from National Highways on supporting the local areas with congestion relief and increased pollution from the vehicles that either may use this alternative route due to M25 traffic or Ultra Low emission charging zones. Unlike the multiple-lane M25, the A227 is a single-lane, two-way road which would be unable to sustain any growth in traffic volume. I would ask for consideration in the planning application to ensure all local areas and communities are considered effectively with traffic management analysis for current and future expectations. I would also request that the planning application considers pollution mitigations in the areas which will be impacted by LTC, as the most polluting vehicles will be pushed further outside of the ultra-low emission zone and create a relocation of excessive pollution from one area to another. Thank you Michael Ashby