In the Gazette’s new general election year feature, we ask the main contenders to give their views on a local hot topic... this week, a new Thames Crossing.

MP JACKIE DOYLE-PRICE - CONSERVATIVE

THERE is a very urgent need for new Thames crossings.

We need a number in order to reduce demand on the Dartford crossing.

While Free-Flow has provided much-needed relief, there remains the need for more crossing capacity. I support new crossings at Silvertown, at Gallions Reach and at Barking Riverside. I also support a new Lower Thames crossing at Canvey.

This would enable the creation of a new outer ring to complement the M25.

We can’t keep expanding the Dartford crossing. It will simply add further congestion to the A13 and the M25 and would require significant investment in Junction 30. I don’t want to see West Thurrock turned into Spaghetti Junction, or more destruction of our green belt.

As for option C, it is a missed opportunity to build the new ring road which will inevitably be needed.

TIM AKER - UKIP candidate

THE will of local people should always trump Westminster politics.

We should have a local referendum on this issue on the same day as the general election.

This extra question would allow you, the residents of Thurrock, to have your say.

If King’s Lynn and West Norfolk can vote on an incinerator proposal, we should be able to vote on a New Thames Crossing and reject another development in Thurrock.

Options in London should be considered before they even think of adding to traffic problems in our borough.

POLLY BILLINGTON - LABOUR candidate

THE best possible outcome would be no newcrossing in Thurrock. Options AandCpresent no opportunities for local people and more cars on our roads isn’t good for drivers, or the health of residents.

Labour will enforce air quality standards and if those standards are broken by new plans, we will stop another crossing being built here.

Last year, I wrote to MPs to make sureThurrock got a hearing in Parliament, which it did this week. For too long, our voice has been drowned out by bigger and stronger voices from Essex and Kent. I will fight to change that.

We want optionDput back on the table. The Government has not given a good reason why a new crossing should be imposed on our community. Labour will work hard to get the best outcome for Thurrock.