Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has welcomed the eight-week consultation launched by Highways England.
The Community Impacts Consultation will give local residents the opportunity to review and comment on Highways England’s plan to build and operate the Lower Thames Crossing, and how it proposes to reduce its impact on the local community and environment. Topics include changes to air quality and traffic, as well as the impact of the new crossing on the environment and landscape.
Dependent on Government guidance, across July and August a range of in-person events will be held at locations along the proposed route. Further details on this will be released in due course.
Highways England is supporting SMEs who are interested in working on the Lower Thames Crossing and the SME Directory will be an important way for the successful major contractors to source their supply chain. So far, the Directory has had over 440 registrants, with 25 based in South Basildon and East Thurrock. The registration form can be found here.
All the consultation material will be available on a dedicated website from 00.01 on 14 July – www.highwaysengland.co.uk/ltcconsultation
Stephen Metcalfe: “My view on the Lower Thames Crossing has not changed. I remain unconvinced that an additional crossing as currently proposed will tackle the problems we experience with congestion when the existing crossing fails. However, if the LTC does proceed we need to ensure that we mitigate its impact as much as possible.
I appreciate the proposal has caused a great deal of concern to many of my constituents. However, I am encouraged that this further eight-week consultation will provide an opportunity for local residents to have a say on the next phase and I would strongly encourage them to take part.
If Highways England push ahead, there will be a potential positive element for local SMEs. So far 25 businesses based in my constituency have registered on the SME Directory which will be an important way for the successful major contractors to source their supply chain. If businesses have not already done so I recommend filling out the short form on the Lower Thames Crossing website.”
