05 Sep @JackieDP “ONLY ROUTE 4 WILL SAVE SOUTH OCKENDON FROM TRAFFIC CONGESTION”
Following the increased incidence of traffic gridlock in the west of the borough when there is disruption at the Dartford crossing, Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price has written to roads minister John Hayes to reiterate that only route 4 offers the potential to divert traffic from Thurrock’s congested network. The roads minister is due to make a decision in a matter of weeks.
Jackie said, “With serious traffic disruption happening more and more regularly the need for a new crossing is becoming more acute. But unless traffic is properly diverted to a new route there will be no benefit in the event of an incident at the Dartford crossing. Routes 1,2 &3 all require the construction of a new junction 29a on the M25 and will add more traffic to the road network at the west of the borough, especially at Aveley and South Ockendon. With residents in South Ockendon already bearing the brunt of congestion from the existing crossing, it would not be fair to them if an option that includes J29a is chosen.
Since Highways England’s preferred route is 3 , I have told the roads minister that a new junction 29a would cause considerable disadvantage to my constituents in South Ockendon and have asked that he look carefully at the impact of J29a on the road network in the vicinity of the Dartford crossing.
On Wednesday 17th August many residents were caught in miserable traffic conditions and tailbacks on the M25 extended for 13 miles. It is abundantly clear that expanding capacity at the current crossing will not do. What is needed is a new orbital road. Route 4 will see a new road built to directly connect with the A127 with no new M25 junction in Ockendon. It is the only possible choice.”
