Campaigners challenge National Highways claims that the Lower Thames Crossing will be the “greenest road ever,” citing climate change increases.
The project costs over £10 billion and is touted as the biggest road in a generation. However, the road needs much concrete and will increase traffic during a climate crisis.
National Highways wants to cut construction carbon, and they announced this target before. TAN believes the announcement distracts from failures as they have not met current promises, including hydrogen use for heavy machinery. Some experts feel hydrogen is not workable.
Traffic emissions from the road will be very high, outweighing construction savings. National Highways’ claims aren’t new, as other projects have done similar things. The Lower Thames Crossing may worsen climate change and could increase traffic and carbon emissions.
TAN’s Director, Chris Todd, spoke about the project, saying National Highways is desperate to save the failing plan, and the Chancellor cannot pay for it. Private money could be used. He thinks weather is getting more extreme, yet the government wants to cut emissions; public transport and flood protection provide better solutions.
Chris added that everyone will pay with private finance. He noted the building delays for seven years, and Dartford has only five years of relief. Tolls rise at both crossings to repay investors, showing the scheme does not work as planned, and “Greenwashing” cannot fix it.
TAN has an expert report on the Lower Thames Crossing, written by Dr. Colin Black, detailing the LTC failings. TAN raised further concerns and sent a response to the Secretary of State. TAN works with experts for better solutions that need to be affordable and low carbon, aiming to boost economic growth and ease Dartford congestion.
