This week, I hosted a reception in Parliament to bring together key stakeholders in the region to illustrate the importance of the Lower Thames Crossing.
As well as easing traffic congestion at Dartford, the LTC will unlock growth in the whole region and vastly improve business opportunities between Kent and Essex.
During the event, I spoke about how the Dartford Crossing was designed for 140,000 vehicles a day and it is trying to take 160,000 vehicles a day. The laws of physics say there is going to be a problem and what we want in Dartford is for this to be built as soon as possible. We have got to have the determination to see through a massive infrastructure project like this one.
Kate Willard OBE, Thames Estuary Growth Board Chairman, Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission and Matt Palmer, Executive Director of the LTC, all spoke about how building the Lower Thames Crossing was key to unlocking growth in our region.
Ms Willard stated that the crossing will benefit the whole country and we need it now, whilst Sir John Armitt said that anyone who doubts the need for the LTC should stand in the control room at the Dartford Crossing.
LTC executive director Matt Palmer explained how congestion at the Dartford crossing costs the UK around £200 million annually.
The building of the Lower Thames Crossing cannot come soon enough for everyone in Dartford and it was great to see so many of our local stakeholders supporting this project.