Adam Holloway MP for Gravesham calls for Lower Thames Crossing plans to be reviewed

An MP has called for an in depth review of a proposed multi-billion pound crossing saying it will become a "white elephant".

Adam Holloway who represents Gravesham headed a debate in the House of Commons today surrounding the Lower Thames Crossing which proposes a new road from Kent to Essex.

The ambitious 14-mile road project, set to cost £8.2bn, will be built near Chalk, east of Gravesend and is designed to help ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing.

Major traffic around the Dartford Crossing has been a blight for residents in the town for decades while there are regular delays on the M25 for drivers crossing between the two counties.

In the Commons this afternoon Mr Holloway laid out his objections to the plans and called for a further review.

He said: "It has become about economic development and the original purpose to ease traffic has become the secondary thing.

"The aims of the project changed completely with the problems at Dartford no longer a priority.

"The way I think of it you look across the rooftops in London and you see thousands of chimneys none of them used any more. This road will become a white elephant like that."

Mr Holloway argued that constructing the Lower Thames Crossing will not help to reduce congestion at the Dartford Crossing but just cause further chaos in the borough and through to Gravesham as the local road infrastructure will not be able to cope.

The MP proposed sorting the traffic problems in Dartford caused by the "outdated" tunnels first before making a start on this project.

Mr Holloway added: "I just do not believe this is the right thing to be doing.

"Now would seem the right time to carry out an in depth review to whether proceed or go back to drawing room.

"It is far too expensive and does not represent value for money for tax payers. There are better and less expensive solutions available.

"I would urge ministers to actually think this through themselves and stop listening to National Highways before it is too late and we commit all this money.

"In my view, if there was ever an opportunity for a secretary of state to put a red line through a massive piece of spending, this is it."

In response, the parliamentary under-secretary for the Department of Transport, Trudy Harrison MP said that the need for the crossing still "remains clear at this stage" as the Dartford Crossing carries more traffic than it was originally designed for.

She said: "There is a clear need to address the challenges at the Dartford Crossing which the Lower Thames Crossing is aiming to provide.

"We must plan not just for the short term but for the medium and the long term."

Ms Harrison said her fellow MP's "discontent is loud and clear" and will be reflected to the road minister but the department is still currently supporting the project.

She added: "We believe supporting this project is the right decision for the people of Kent and the UK. The department is supportive of the Lower Thames Crossing but I recognise the alternative views and they have been heard."