The government has dismissed a campaign group’s suggestion that the Lower Thames Crossing should be included in the government’s pause on “smart motorways”. 

Last week, the Thames Crossing Action Group wrote to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, National Highways Chief Executive, Nick Harris, the Transport Select Committee, the Office of Rail & Road, and various other Department for Transport staff calling for the crossing to be paused due to the fact it is being designed to Smart Motorway Standards.

But the Romford Recorder newspaper quotes a Department for Transport spokesperson as saying, “These claims are factually incorrect. The Lower Thames Crossing is being designed as a trunk road, similar to the A roads used by millions of motorists across the country.”

(Picture – National Highways)