Member Article

South East LEP urges government to support new Lower Thames Crossing

In a bid to reaffirm support for a new Lower Thames Crossing, The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SE LEP) has urged George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer to revisit the major infrastructure project.

A group of major businesses on either side of the Thames in Kent and Essex have come together to argue that the Lower Thames Crossing is one of the most important projects in the South East, and is of national significance.

As a business-focused organisation, SE LEP champions the economic wellbeing of Kent, East Sussex, Essex, Medway, Southend and Thurrock, through its partnership of public and private sector organisations.

There’s been a call on the Government to set a firm timetable and financial package for its delivery to support the growth of new jobs, skills, apprenticeships, and increased productivity, as part of the forthcoming Autumn Statement and the Comprehensive Spending Review.

George Kieffer, Interim Chairman of SE LEP, said: “It’s a truly transformational project for the economy of the Thames Estuary, and beyond. When the existing Dartford River Crossing is closed or heavily congested there’s a knock-on effect that can impact on businesses across the country, including those in the much vaunted Northern Powerhouse.

“At the moment, the possible location of a new crossing point are two vague outlines on a map. There’s no commitment to funding or delivery, which we need to see to progress our plans for further long-term investment in the area.”

The signatories believe that doing nothing, or delaying it, is not an option as the Dartford Crossing is a crucial transport artery and already over capacity. Increasing the resilience of river crossings in the area would make trade easier, quicker, more reliable and cheaper for UK plc.

Jo James, SE LEP board member and Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber, said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is much more than just a new bridge or tunnel to relieve congestion. It represents a once in a generation opportunity to reinvigorate local development, create new jobs and stimulate investment by supporting nationally important industries.

“It would improve our connectivity to Europe and competitiveness, and at the same time regenerate an overlooked part of southern England.”

Perry Glading, Chief Operating Officer of Forth Ports, owner of the Port of Tilbury, and SE LEP board member, said: “We need the Government to show their firm support for an additional lower Thames crossing in the Autumn Statement. The current capacity at the Dartford crossing is acting as a brake on national, regional and local productivity.

“Forth Ports believes option C will provide much needed congestion relief and will act as a catalyst for business growth in the Thames Gateway regeneration area.”

The organisations in Kent backing the call included: Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Eurotunnel and Port of Dover, alongside national organisations Freight Transport Association and Road Haulage Association, plus the London Chamber of Commerce.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .