A Dartford councillor has called for an "urgent decision" to be made over the Lower Thames Crossing - as Department for Transport (DfT) prepares to decide whether the bridge should pop-up in Dartford or Gravesham.
Highways England is expected to present DfT with detailed reports on two possible Thames crossing sites, in the hope of easing congestion at the Dartford Crossing, in less around a month's time.
The two options - a second crossing near the existing QEII bridge and Dartford Tunnel, or an alternative in neighbouring Gravesham - have been the cause of debate as the deadline looms.
Two weeks ago, Gravesham's MP Adam Holloway, council leader John Cubitt, and over 50 parish and district councillors wrote an open letter Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, asking him to scrap plans for a river crossing in their back yard.
Coun Cubitt is opposed to option C - a Gravesham crossing
The group are firmly against an alternative crossing in Gravesham, which would be built on Green Belt land, and on a road network which they claim is "groaning at the seams".
They also dismissed claims that a Gravesend river crossing would be a "magical answer" to Kent's traffic problems.
Councillors hope to protect the Kent Downs area of "outstanding natural beauty" and the village communities surrounding Shorne.
Kids enjoying Shorne Wood country park
However, this means any decision taken by DfT is bound to be unpopular - as Dartford's MP, Gareth Johnson, continues to oppose a second Dartford crossing.
Mr Johnson said: "It would be madness to build another crossing at Dartford.
"We could build 100 crossings at Dartford and it will still be a pinch point for traffic because the local roads can’t cope. We need an alternative route across the Thames.
"I understand why people in Gravesend don’t want it near them but we have to build something which will give motorists other options."
Dartford's shadow council leader, who supports a Gravesend crossing over "polluted" Dartford, is calling for an end to the uncertainty.
Coun Jonathon Hawkes said: "Let’s be clear – we need a new Lower Thames Crossing to reduce the traffic congestion at Dartford.
"The government needs to make an urgent decision on where it will be."
TODAY'S TOP STORIES:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel