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  • "On the news JDP put forward the idea of more ferry crossings akin to Woolwich. I'm sure that there are redundant industrial sites north and south of the river on or not far from the river, that could be utlised for these up/down river from Thurrock. These would be easier and cheaper to put in and in less time than it would take to build bridges or dig tunnels. Plus they could be cheaper than the tunnels and bridges ... Woolwich is currently free. That would spice things up a bit, close to the current set up. I wonder if Thurrock/Essex and Kent Councils would go for it and provide a free service, probably not as they don't have the bottle.
    What amazes me is that the supposed combined intelligence of the Commons can't see that the current set up is a squeeze point/bottleneck and causes untold problems each side. Putting more tunnels.bridges in would only serve to exacerbate these problems. The other problem with another bridge/tunnel close to the current position is who would use it? If it cost the same or more than the current tolls, where is the incentive to go x miles out of your way, just to use a different one. I'd stay on the M25 and use the old ones."
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New river crossing will land in Thurrock, Government confirms

6:06pm Tuesday 14th January 2014 in News By Matt Abbott , Chief Reporter

Thurrock Gazette: The Government confirms it will not look again at options D and E, meaning any new crossing will land in Thurrock The Government confirms it will not look again at options D and E, meaning any new crossing will land in Thurrock

A NEW river crossing WILL land in Thurrock, the Government has confirmed.

Despite pleas from Thurrock’s MPs, ministers have refused to look again at options D and E, which would link Kent with Canvey Island or Southend.

At a debate in Westminster, Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price revealed a new crossing next to the current Thurrock to Dartford one - option A - would fail to deal with the borough’s clogged up road network and could lead to the closure of Vopak’s vital West Thurrock fuel terminal - causing problems for the regions fuel supply.

She added option C, landing between Tilbury Fort and Coalhouse Fort in East Tilbury, would also add to traffic woes on the A13.

Ms Doyle-Price criticised Thurrock Council and Essex County Council for their lack of vision, saying “poor leadership” had “let residents down”.

Stephen Metcalfe, the South Basildon and East Thurrock MP, said options D and E could help the growth of Southend Airport.

But transport minister Robert Goodwill, said options D and E would not be revisited. The government is taking a closer look at concerns over options A and C, such as further improvements which may be required on the M25 and A13.

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