National Highways has released a new animation showing what it calls the unprecedented levels of traffic that use the Dartford Crossing every Friday, as part of an explanation for the need for the new Lower Thames Crossing.
It says, despite one of the largest traffic teams in the country working around the clock to keep it moving, the huge demand on the Dartford Crossing makes it one of the most unreliable sections of the Strategic Road Network, with over 3000 incidents reported a year.
It says the road suffers from severe congestion, with tailbacks that spread for miles along connecting major roads such as the M25, A13 and A2 as well as causing gridlock on local roads. This leads to poor air quality in areas such as Dartford due to the volume of slow moving and stationary traffic.
Data shows that Fridays at the Dartford Crossing see sustained high volumes of traffic and congestion, from mid-morning well into the evening.
Matt Palmer, Executive Director, Lower Thames Crossing said, “There has never been a more urgent need to address the problems at Dartford Crossing and keep the UK economy moving. The best and only solution is the Lower Thames Crossing – it will take over 13 million vehicles off the Dartford Crossing each year, meaning journeys across the River Thames will become quicker, more reliable and less stressful. The benefits will be felt by businesses and individuals alike as new opportunities open up, as a result of reliable journeys. Our economy will receive a much needed boost, as the Lower Thames Crossing will allow businesses the certainty they need to operate and grow and for people to access jobs on both sides of the Thames.”
You can watch the video here:
(Picture – National Highways)
