The highways industry has responded to yesterday’s announcement by the government that the Lower Thames Crossing had been given the go-ahead.
Colette Carroll, Managing Director – Transportation, AtkinsRéalis UK & Ireland, said:
“This is a welcome decision to progress a vital infrastructure programme that will improve connectivity and deliver significant benefits to businesses across the country.
“Congestion at the Dartford Crossing currently costs our economy £200 million annually: the Lower Thames Crossing will not only ease this congestion but act as a new strategic economic corridor, creating new links between communities, businesses and major ports. It will also support thousands of jobs and develop critical skills for the future.
“As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill passes through Parliament to streamline critical national infrastructure projects, today’s announcement is an important recognition of the crucial role of infrastructure in delivering growth.”
Meawhile, Nick Fenton, business development service Locate in Kent’s CEO, said:
“We welcome the decision by the Secretary of State for Transport to give the go-ahead for the Lower Thames Crossing, a vital decision towards ensuring Kent and Medway, the UK’s gateway to Europe, has the capacity to keep traffic and freight moving.
“The Lower Thames Crossing will almost double road capacity across the Thames east of London – easing chronic congestion on the Dartford Crossing, improving journey times for businesses across the southeast, keeping freight passing through the Channel Ports and providing a huge economic boost to the UK. It will also deliver thousands of jobs during the construction phase, and beyond.
“This nationally important strategic route is vital for this country’s logistics network. Kent and Medway has a major role to play in supporting UK trade and investment and it was imperative that the project goes ahead.
“This new route is urgently needed, not least in supporting the government’s house building and growth agenda for the UK economy. Not going ahead would have sent an unwelcome signal to business and investors, that we’re not a country that invests for the long-term.
“Today’s decision to grant planning approval for the Lower Thames Crossing should also be a time for policy makers at all levels to reflects on what needs to be done to remove obstacles to delivering the infrastructure needed as a nation to deliver future growth.
“That includes pressing ahead with planning reform and further incentives that will attract investment to pay for further improvements, from widening the M2 to restoring international rail services to the county.”
(Pic: National Highways)
