WITH just a few days remaining until the expected decision on whether the £10 billion plus Lower Thames Crossing will get the go-head, campaigners against it are calling on their supporters to bring influence to bear on the government when the outcome is revealed.

The Planning Inspectorate is due to deliver the outcome of its hearing to Highways England's application for a development control order (DCO) – the effective planning permission required for the controversial project to link Kent and Thurrock with a new tunnel and motorway link road.

The hearing has taken many months with hundreds of presentations and tens of thousands of documents being produced.

Its verdict is due to be delivered on Friday, 4 October.

Transport infrastructure and the new Labour government's plans for transport were key topics debated at this week's Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

In its wake the Thurrock-based Thames Crossing Action Group is urging people to contact their MPs to voice opposition to the proposed new crossing.

Campaigners are hoping it will be among a raft of major road projects the new Labour Government has put on hold but so far there has been no confirmation of that.

A spokesman for the action group said: "All we do know is the Lower Thames Crossing will cost approximately half of the public spending gap. It is concerning if a road scheme only offers an Adjusted Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.22. For every pound spent we would barely see a return on investment. The Department for Transport rank this as 'poor value'.

"This investment would be better spent on our health service or other crumbling public services."

If the Planning Inspectorate grants permission for the DCO, it will be down to the government – and  theoretically Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh - if the scheme should go ahead immediately, be delayed – or possibly scrapped.

The previous Conservative government said there would be a two-year gap between permission being granted and work starting.

The Action Group spokesman added: "Our call to action right now is for everyone to write to their MPs or Ms Haigh.

"We remain steadfast and hopeful, considering our current financial climate and the crossing being an outdated proposal that doesn't address long term congestion at Thurrock or Dartford."

However, there appears some confusion – and a degree of mystery – about the Lower Thames Crossing proposal and how it sits within government thinking.

In July, following a directive from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Ms Haigh announced a review of spending on Department for Transport infrastructure schemes, which has to be concluded in time for the autumn budget, due on 30 October. The review is being carried out by Rachel Skinner, a highly regarded engineer with much transport experience who is tasked with digging deep into the financial diligence behind projects.

However, the Lower Thames Crossing is not among the schemes and projects listed, suggesting to some that there may be another plan for its financing.

The Chancellor has already has indicated she's looking to the private sector rather than government funding for future infrastructure.

Some speculate that her upcoming budget might see the announcement of a showcase privately-funded project or two - like the Lower Thames Crossing, or the plan for a Midlands-North West rail link drawn up by the Mayors of the West Midlands and Greater Manchester.

Transport expert and journalist Peter Stonham, whose views are widely respected, speculates " the future of the Lower Thames Crossing could be an acid test of the new government's thinking."

In a lengthy examination of transport prospects, he adds: "We are learning fast what the new Government is all about on transport and beyond - and should learn a lot more from Rachel Reeves on 30 October, and perhaps sooner from Louise Haigh what she has decided regarding the Lower Thames Crossing and other road schemes."

Earlier this year, the Government announced 11 schemes already paused from the second Road Investment Strategy and the three earmarked for construction during the third Road Investment Strategy will be removed from the government's road-building plans.

In addition, all new smart motorway schemes will be halted. While the Lower Thames Crossing hasn't been specifically mentioned, it is being designed as a smart motorway with no hard shoulder and technical control of lane use.

There remains plenty of discussion and opinion around what is due to happen next – but more clarity is likely after next week's decision.