The Department for Transport’s Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit has written to National Highways asking for comments regarding three questions to do with the granting of the Development Consent Order for the Lower Thames Crossing.

Last month it was announced a decision on whether to go ahead with building the Lower Thames Crossing east of the Dartford Tunnel and QE2 Bridge would be delayed until next May, with Transport Secretary Louise Haigh saying the six-month delay was “in order to allow more time for the application to be considered further, including any decisions made as part of the spending review”.

In a letter to National Highways, the Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit asks for comments on what further measures could be implemented to reduce the carbon emissions that will result from the scheme as well as details on how these could be secured in the Development Consent Order.

It’s also asked to set out what further measures could be delivered as part of the scheme to enhance and improve public transport and active travel opportunities. It agrees this is not a usual requirement but due to the nature, size and complexity of the scheme, the Applicant is exceptionally encouraged to seek views from Active Travel England to help inform their response on this matter.

It’s also requested to set out what further measures could be put in place to minimise disruption to local people during the construction phase of the scheme including how agreed timetables will be met.

The deadline for response is 26 November.

(Picture – National Highways)