Locate in Kent responds to delay for Lower Thames Crossing following DCO decision

Locate in Kent CEO Nick Fenton has commented on the decision by the Secretary of State for Transport concerning the development consent order for the Lower Thames Crossing:

“Businesses in Kent and across the UK will be bitterly disappointed by the Secretary of State for Transport’s decision to delay this vital project even further, especially given the overwhelming support for the scheme from across industry and the political spectrum.

“The Lower Thames Crossing would double road capacity across the Thames east of London – easing congestion on the Dartford Crossing, improve journey times across the south-east, keep UK freight passing through the Channel Ports and provide a £40bn economic boost for the region.

“This isn’t just any road scheme. It represents the biggest infrastructure project for a generation, and one that would play a major part in delivering the government’s house building and growth agenda for the UK economy.  Kent is key to UK trade from transporting fruit to supermarkets to exporting goods to and from Europe.

“At Locate in Kent, the county remains one of the most attractive places for businesses to invest and grow in the UK, from sustainable food production, green energy and the life sciences to advanced manufacturing.  That is not about to change.

“Despite this decision, we will continue to support our partners in arguing the case for the investment needed so that Kent and Medway can continue to play its part in taking UK plc to the world. That includes reaching a positive decision on the Lower Thames Crossing in the shortest possible time.”

“Today’s decision to delay the Lower Thames Crossing decision is a wake-up call for policy makers of the need to remove hurdles that too often stand in the way of infrastructure vital to the nation’s ability to deliver future growth.

“That includes planning reform and incentives to attract investment to pay for further improvements, from widening the M2 to restoring international rail services to the county.

“Improvements are required all along the M2/A2, from Dartford to Dover, and even the M20, that are currently restricting development, holding back economic growth that is

so important for Kent and Medway. These improvements need to progress in support of the delivery of the Lower Thames Crossing and future development across Kent and Medway and not be the reason for inaction.”