A COUNCIL leader has called for a multi-million pound investment at the Dartford Crossing and says thoughts of a second Thames crossing should be put to one side.

Thurrock Council leader, Councillor John Kent, says there should be a change of government focus at Junction 30 of the M25, after a disastrous month that left one motorist dead, two seriously injured and thousands stranded in traffic.

While admitting the latest tragedy - in which 78-year-old Ronald Moughton from Ilford died - and problems drivers have faced recently could not be solved by doing as the council is asking, he claims these incidents have brought the question of congestion into “sharp focus.”

The 10-vehicle smash at Junction 30 on April 2 saw two lorry drivers arrested and the road shut for nine hours, causing long delays for motorists travelling towards Kent.

Cllr Kent said: “The congestion hits local people who cannot get to school or work, or perhaps go shopping to keep our economy ticking over.

“This is why we’re saying don’t concentrate on building a new crossing, concentrate efforts on freeing up the flow through the present crossing; concentrate on spending money now on creating a fully designed and fully tested Junction 30, something that will allow Thurrock business to fulfil its potential, something that will provide a long-term answer.

“If that means spending £500 million on Junction 30, then that’s what should happen now. It’s cheaper than any new crossing, whatever way you look at it.

“Cheaper financially, cheaper on its environmental impact, and cheaper for the country by allowing.”

He added: “The congestion our roads suffer on a regular basis hits our local businesses disproportionately.

“It means they can’t move their goods efficiently. It’s a barrier to Thurrock’s businesses getting customers, even getting to their current customers and it makes it difficult for them to guarantee their workforce is in place.

“In a time when businesses are battling for every penny, this extra issue threatens to slow down investment and growth here at a time when we’re otherwise best placed to bring in money and jobs.”

German lorry driver remanded in custody

A 58-year-old lorry driver who was arrested following the fatal crash on April 2 appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Friday.

Anton Maizen, who is charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, is expected to enter a plea when he appears at the same court on July 25.

Maizen has been remanded in custody and will go on trial on September 23.