Representation by David Martindale
- Date submitted
- 24 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As someone who works both in London and throughout North Kent I am extremely concerned at the affect this will have on traffic on both the local roads and arteries such as the A2/M2. The A2/M2 is already extremely congested and this planned addition will make things worse. This will affect the majority of those who use their vehicles in Northern Kent and South London to commute and work. The improvements included in the plan to mitigate this are wholly inadequate. The Lower Thames Crossing will greatly increase the levels of pollution in the local area and beyond. These parts of the Kent are already among the worst in the country for air pollution and regularly exceed government guidelines. The cost of this project is hugely out of proportion to its potential benefits. The cost has grown enormously since it was first mooted, and I have no confidence that it will not increase even further. It is an outrage that this vast amount of money is likely to be spent here when there are other, far more important infrastructure improvements badly needed both in Kent and throughout the country as a whole. The environmental impact of this project will be devastating. Many environmental organisations have already voiced their criticism of this project, including the RSPB. Two examples are Cliff Pools nature reserve and the ancient woodland of Shorne Country Park which will be badly affected. Site like these are not only important for our already dwindling wildlife but also contribute to the quality of life and are much loved by the people of Kent and nature lovers across the country. No amount of carbon offsetting can mitigate the damage that will be caused and no amount of tree planting can replace a centuries old forest. The measures outlined in the plan are mere window dressing, they will have no lasting benefit to either wildlife or local people and will in no way come close to making good the damage that this project will cause.