There has been mixed reactions to the news that the Lower Thames Crossing will be built east of Gravesend, with campaigners describing it as “squandering billions” to damage the environment.

The new multi-billion-pound road link will connect Essex and Kent, east of Tilbury and Gravesend, via a new crossing under the Thames.

However, Campaign for Better Transport have been vocal in their objections to the new road.

Bridget Fox, sustainable transport campaigner, said: “Building a major new road through protected countryside is not the right way to address the long standing problems of traffic, much of it HGVs, through Kent.

“Instead of squandering billions on yet another expensive new road that will inevitably fill up with traffic, leading to more congestion, a better solution would be to expand port capacity north of the Thames, improve freight and passenger rail links to Kent and look at measures like distance-based HGV charging to better manage traffic.”

Highways England estimate the new crossing will create £8 billion in economic benefits and create 6,000 jobs.

While the news was well received by Dartford officials for lessening pressure on the roads, the decision has been condemned by Thurrock's MP.

Jackie Doyle-Price said: “While congestion at the Dartford Crossing demands a new Lower Thames Crossing, I have consistently told the Government that any new crossing must not lead to more congestion on Thurrock’s roads.

“Neither should it lead to more congestion on the M25 and A13 or a new junction on the M25 in Thurrock. This route fails those tests.”

Dartford Labour leader Jonathan Hawkes also expressed concerns over the need for additional investment into the town.

“We desperately needed a decision on a new crossing as an essential first step to getting Dartford moving again but no-one should be under the illusion that is a magic bullet to our congestion nightmare – it isn’t.

“Dartford has suffered the consequence of years of underinvestment in our road networks and public transport. The government need to commit to immediate investment in our local road network.

“This government have not had a good record of delivering on their promises in Dartford - Labour will make sure the pressure is kept up so that the improvements promised are delivered.”