THURROCK’S MP has once again slammed the Lower Thames Crossing proposal – demanding Highways England has a rethink.

Responding to the latest consultation, Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price has reiterated her stiff opposition to the proposed route and demanded that Highways England bosses do something about it, and quick.

The MP highlighted five main points she wants to see addressed - including a changed route.

She said: “It is clear that a new Lower Thames crossing is needed.

“However, I am opposed to the proposed route.

“The residents I represent will be impacted more than anyone else by this proposed crossing.

“In response to the consultation there was a clear preference for route 4.

“The views of those most affected should carry the most weight.

“I will be supporting Thurrock Council’s application for a judicial review.

“All people who work, live or employ people in Thurrock should be advantaged by this new crossing. Under the present design they are not. My specific asks are – Highways England to revisit the route on the North side of the Thames and alter it to join the M25 via the A127 rather than via a new junction.

“Highways England should bring forward a fresh consultation based on a new route which is well away from existing residential communities. It should bring forward a proposal based on the proposed route 4.

“Any major road scheme going through Thurrock should seek to divert traffic away from Thurrock’s local road infrastructure. The scheme must therefore include a Tilbury link road to enable the diversion of Port traffic from the local road network in Tilbury town.

“Any new road must have sufficient connectivity built in now to future proof the crossing. Highways England should look at locating the depot north of junction 29 rather than at East Tilbury.”