THURROCK MP Jen Craft has called for revenue from the Lower Thames Crossing to be invested in local public transport, including the return of the Tilbury Ferry.

In a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mrs Craft and Dr Lauren Sullivan, the MP for Gravesham, argued that a portion of funding generated by tolls on the crossing should be ringfenced for local projects. 

Specifically, the Labour politicians called for investment to bring back the Tilbury to Gravesend passenger ferry, something both MPs have been campaigning for.

The funding necessary to restore the historic ferry service would represent significantly less than 0.1 per cent of the projected annual toll revenue from the Dartford and Lower Thames Crossings.

In their letter, Mrs Craft and Dr Sullivan argue that making this funding available would deliver a 'visible and lasting benefit' for the residents set to be impacted most by disruption from the crossing's construction when it begins in 2026.

The ferry service closed in March 2024 when Thurrock Council withdrew financial support. The private operator, JetStream Tours, was unable to continue running the ferry, citing "concerns and uncertainties" around long-term funding options. Kent County Council said it was not minded to continue the funding on its own.

A funding commitment from toll revenue on the Lower Thames Crossing - once construction is completed in the early 2030s - would provide long-term guarantees about the financial viability of the ferry, argue the Thurrock and Gravesham MPs in their letter.

Both MPs have been running petitions to show the strength of support for bringing back the ferry, which was carrying 100,000 passengers each year at the time of its closure. Mrs Craft's petition has now received more than 1,300 signatures.

She says: "I've been fighting to bring back the Tilbury Ferry and, by securing a tiny proportion of the toll revenue from the Lower Thames Crossing for Thurrock, we can make this a reality.

"This funding would provide the financial guarantees needed to restore this vital transport link, something that people on both sides of the river have been calling for.

"It's right that residents most impacted by the crossing's construction should also share directly in its benefits, and I'm determined to make that happen."

Dr Sullivan added: "I have long been calling for a local resident discount and I remain committed to fighting for this guarantee.

"In addition, we want to see investment into public transport that is affordable, reliable and gives residents options in determining how they travel across the river and beyond. 

"We will continue to hold decision-makers to account, as it is the local residents who will be disproportionately impacted by the disruption caused by the construction process, as well as by the implementation of this nationally significant infrastructure project.

"It is only fair that those most affected also see meaningful benefits."

Meanwhile, on another travel-related issue, Mrs Craft has welcomed the formal opening of new lifts at Grays rail station, after previously expressing her concerns about delays.

The lifts at Grays are now operational after completion of the £9 million investment to enhance accessibility at the station.

A statement from Network Rail says: "Work at Grays station in Essex has been successfully completed, bringing two new platform lifts that provide step-free access from the main entrance to both platforms.

"Team members from Network Rail and c2c Railway met with Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock, on 1 September to showcase the new lifts and highlight the difference they make for passengers with reduced mobility. The lifts make it easier and safer to move between platforms, improving overall accessibility and passenger experience.

MP Jen Craft at Grays rail station where the lifts are now operational.

"The project, delivered in collaboration with c2c Railway and carried out by our contractor Octavius, began in January 2024. We are pleased to confirm that the lifts are now fully operational.

"These new lifts can carry up to 16 passengers and are the first DLDS VLB (Dual Lift Drive System, Vertical Linear Beam) lifts to be installed anywhere in the UK. They are also evacuation lifts, which means they can be used in emergencies, including during a power failure, another first for the UK rail network."

Mrs Craft said: ""I've repeatedly called for urgency in completing this project, so I'm delighted that the lifts at Grays Station are now open for use.

"The lifts provide long-overdue and much-needed step free access for passengers, after months of frustration with ongoing delays.

"As a regular commuter from Grays myself, I know how important these lifts are in enabling everyone in our community to safely use the station."