Representation by Helen Whately MP
- Date submitted
- 24 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Planning Inspectorate, I welcome this public consultation on the Lower Thames Crossing. Whilst the LTC does not pass directly through my constituency of Faversham and Mid Kent I am an interested party due to the impact it will have on transport infrastructure on the M2 and M20 that run through my constituency. In Highways England’s Lower Thames Crossing traffic forecast factsheet both the M2 and M20 (after the junction with the A229) will see increases in traffic. See: (REDACTED) This was also stated in a letter to me from the Executive Director Lower Thames Crossing dated October 2021. This forecasted rise in traffic will therefore have a significant impact on my constituents. I list below the necessary action to mitigate the impact of the LTC on my constituents. 1. Brenley Corner and Bluebell Hill It is important that improvements to Brenley Corner happen and even more so with the proposal for the LTC. I have urged the Department for Transport to include Brenley Corner in the Third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) and hopefully we will have good news in coming months. In my view it is absolutely necessary that these improvements are done to mitigate the impact of the LTC for my constituents. As it is, Brenley Corner is not fit for the current levels of demand, and this will only be exacerbated by increased traffic flow caused by the LTC, alongside Swale Borough Council’s local plan, which will see 6,000 new home built in and around the town of Faversham. Additionally, Bluebell Hill is in need of improvements. Recently I held a meeting with Boxley Parish Council, National Highways and Kent Country Council. All parties at the meeting agreed that the LTC should go ahead, however, improvements are needed at Bluebell Hill if the junction is to survive locally. Bluebell Hill is the only part of UK infrastructure between Glasgow and Dover that is not part of the Strategic Road Network. It is important that improvements are made to Bluebell Hill as traffic forecasts see increased traffic from the LTC. 2. Lorry Parking Lorry parking is necessary as traffic is predicted to rise. Operation Brock has had a significant impact on both sides of my constituency. Any significant increase in traffic as predicted by Highways England would add further pressure to the already limited lorry parking near Kent. The opportunity for Lorry parking infrastructure to be built as part of the LTC should be taken. I generally support the view that the LTC will benefit my constituency and Kent more widely. However, I believe these improvements are required for my constituents to fully benefit. Best wishes, Helen Whately MP