Councillors and residents were told they have no influence on the route and height of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing road by Highways England.

At Thurrock Council’s Lower Thames Crossing Task Force  meeting on Monday, January 22, Highways England presented the areas of influence for the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, including construction, community, operations and environmental factors.

However, while Highways England made it clear that they would listen to local residents, the horizontal and vertical alignments of the road are 'project-led decisions'.

Members of the task force also agreed what its priorities going forward are and that the February meeting will be focused around the visual impact, followed by health and air quality at the meeting in March.

Speaking after the meeting, Chair of the Lower Thames Crossing Task Force, Councillor Peter Smith, said: “I appreciate Highways England explaining to us quite candidly that we cannot influence these areas.

“With our agreed priorities and themed meetings, we can get into the detail of their plans, how they will affect residents and challenge Highways England with precision.

"Next month we are going to focus specifically on the visual impact. We will be challenging Highways England on things we know are important to residents which we know are primarily around whether the route will be underground, at road level or above.”

“The Planning inspectorate also requires that alternatives to the proposed crossing be set out – I’m looking forward to hearing this explained when and if Highways England choose to share it.”  

Chair of the Thames Crossing Action Group, Matt Jackson, criticised Highways England.

He said: "The consultation Highways England plan to run during 2018 will be little short of a waste of money.

"What is the point consulting the general public when they; a) have no effect on the final design. b) their opinions are discredited due to local business wants and needs?"