THURROCK MP Jackie Doyle-Price has written to the leader of the council requesting evidence on air quality and traffic to shape the best route for the Lower Thames Crossing.

Ms Doyle-Price stated that while she was happy with the choice of a tunnel at East Tilbury, she was unhappy with the route because it goes too close to people’s homes and add to existing traffic congestion.

The current option C will run through Orsett, Ockendon and Tilbury.

The MP added: “As we enter the design phase, we need to challenge Highways England to design a road which bypasses Thurrock’s road network, or else there are risks to our air quality. However, in order to do that we need clear evidence with which to challenge.”

In the letter she also criticised former Labour leader of the council John Kent for denying a similar request for the council’s environmental health and highways engineers to compile such evidence in 2013.

The Conservative MP said: “I requested this from the last leader of Thurrock Council back in 2013.  Sadly that request was rejected.  It is disappointing that the council did not do more then to provide hard evidence against the proposed route.  This was a missed opportunity which makes the fight more difficult now.

On receiving Ms Doyle-Price’s letter, leader of the council, Rob Gledhill, said: “I welcome the comments about air quality as this has always been a big concern to the community. It needs to be addressed and monitoring undertaken to show the true impact.

“Clearly just saying no and not being able to back up our arguments with accurate evidence wasn’t sufficient at the last round of consultation. We cannot be in the same position whilst we start a whole new consultation on Option C route of the proposed crossing.

“Discussions are continuing locally amongst officers, and amongst political parties about our next steps, with a formal discussion on all aspects due to be held in July.

“I more than welcome our MP’s request. I will be working with officers to make this a priority and will be responding to outline what actions will be taking here to help protect our residents.”