THE consultation over the new Thames crossing proposals has been called into question after a government minister said Option A – a route by the current crossing – was yet to be ruled out… despite it not appearing in the consultation questionnaire.

In an interview with media in Kent, Andrew Jones MP, a transport minister, said Option A was still on the table, despite a variant of Option C being the government’s preferred route.

The consultation document is clear in showing route three, a road running through East Tilbury, Chadwell St Mary, Orsett and Ockendon before joining the M25 between junctions 29 and 30, as the preferred route.

The consultation booklet says Option A, now known as route one, performs “poorly against the traffic related scheme objectives” and doesn’t provide an “alternative route”.

Thurrock Council leader John Kent called the consultation “flawed”. He said: “If you read their documentation carefully, Option A simply doesn’t meet their so-called criteria. We may think none of their options does that, but even in their business case material, Option A is not considered.

“Then, when you look at the consultation survey itself, Option A isn’t even mentioned! How can people respond properly if they have to guess what Highways England is thinking?

Mr Kent added: “Highways England is doing the government’s bidding, yet it seems to me there is a tremendous gulf between what Highways England actually thinks and what the government wants.”

In the interview, Mr Jones said the final decision will be made by the government, adding the current consultation is a chance for people to “interrogate” and “throw stones” at the preferred route.

Highways England consultation manager Martin Potts said: “The whole point of the consultation is to invite people’s views on our proposals.

“We are clear a new Lower Thames Crossing between Gravesend and Tilbury - Location C - offers a far greater economic benefit than a new crossing at Location A, near the existing Dartford Crossing. It would also create an alternative route to the Dartford Crossing and reduce congestion.

“But if anyone disagrees, the consultation is their opportunity to tell us. We welcome all views so we can make the best possible recommendation to Government.”