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Representation by Alasdair John Foden

Date submitted
24 February 2023
Submitted by
Members of the public/businesses
  1. I believe in the light of the changes in inflation and uncertainties in Britain and The World during the last two years the total project cost will be significantly more than the £6.9 billion we have been told. 2) The money spent so far on planning and site investigations can be regarded at some level as an investment much like the 19th Century tunnel built into Strood for a proposed canal link between Thames and Medway rivers. The new proposed road tunnel route should be abandoned as was the redundant canal for a modern rail route to take more HGV 's off the transport system. It could enable goods being shipped along the M2 between Europe and the Greater UK more efficiently. 3) The long term needs of the nation need to address the cost to the climate and environment that the road tunnel will make by increasing dependence on road networks. 4) The proportion of vehicle crossings which will be diverted from Dartford is estimated at only 20% of the existing 160 to 180 thousand crossings - this will not reduce the traffic to the 135 thousand that it was designed for and unless HGV's are reduced that 20% will soon be replaced with new traffic. 5) A moratorium should be placed by planning inspector on the proposed LTC road connection while Government budgets are so tight and a assessment made on a rail tunnel as an alternative.