PROPOSALS for a new Thames crossing are “short-sighted and flawed” and will fuel an increase in traffic, say the Green Party.

The party, whose presence is felt more at County Hall than in Thurrock, have also raised concerns about the wider impact new roads and a tunnel will have on residents and the environment.

A party spokesman said: “Greens believe a new crossing will not alleviate pollution in South Essex in general and will bring heightened pollution to residents along the route corridor, on both sides of the Thames.

“Greens want to see measures put in place to tackle air and noise pollution, rather than endlessly extending road networks. Greens are highlighting that the billions of pounds spent on this development could be better invested in measures which would reduce pollution and tackle the urgent issue of climate change.

“Greens are calling for investment in rail networks to make them fit for purpose, allowing people and freight to move in a more sustainable, less polluting way.”

Leader of the Green Group on Essex County Council, Councillor James Abbott, said: "South Essex has some of the highest air pollution levels in the country, and developing further road networks does nothing to counter this.

“With air pollution in the county responsible for ill health and early deaths every year, it's time to stop pouring money into more roads. We need cleaner, sustainable travel options that move people and freight more efficiently and without causing so much pollution.

“The new tunnel will be connected up with yet more new roads cutting through the countryside – and it is likely that further countryside will be lost to development linked to the new roads – particularly near the new junctions."

Thurrock Gazette:

The party’s national transport spokesperson, Caroline Russell, said: "Instead of building more roads and encouraging more people to travel by car, we need policies which are fit for the 21st century. Our Government just participated in securing a global deal to tackle climate change - in light of this commitment, our obsession with carbon-intensive travel has to end."

The party has urged concerned residents to respond to the consultation.