Representation by Tracey Crouch CBE MP
- Date submitted
- 24 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am writing as the Member of Parliament for Chatham & Aylesford in order to register as an Interested Party for the upcoming inspection of the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order. I understand and appreciate the need to increase capacity on our strategic road network and the role the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) will play in achieving this. However, and as I have stated throughout the various consultation phases for the LTC and discussed with Ministers, National Highways and Kent County Council, key existing local road infrastructure such as M2 J3 and the A229/A228 which fall in my constituency must be significantly upgraded before the opening of the LTC. This specific part of the local road network suffers from extreme congestion on a daily basis and if the LTC is to be a success at improving overall capacity, these upgrades must be agreed upon and delivered as soon as possible. While I have been advised upgrading the site falls out the scope of the LTC, the issue is understandably an important one for my constituents which the inspection of the Development Consent Order will have a bearing on and I will continue to monitor closely. In addition, I understand that two sites for nitrogen deposition mitigation have been proposed in my constituency at Blue Bell Hill and Burham. Understandably there is little information available at present regarding the final design of these areas and what they will look like in practice. However, these are located in environmentally sensitive areas of my constituency and I would welcome further information on the eventual design of these areas when they become available. I hope this is helpful. With best wishes Tracey Tracey Crouch CBE MP