CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the proposed Lower Thames crossing and motorway through the green heart of Thurrock have highlighted a radio interview by the man at the helm of the project in which he appears to concede the scheme is not fit for purpose and any benefits derived when a seven or eight year construction operation is concluded will be negated within a couple of decades.

The executive director of the crossing project, Matt Palmer, appeared on a BBC Essex programme this week alongside Laura Blake, chair of the campaigning Lower Thames Crossing Action Group which represents those who are opposed to the proposal.

And his answers to questions posed by Ms Blake and show host Sadie Nine appear to suggest that the £8.23 billion crossing is merely 'buying time' while the government works out what to do about the congestions problems.

Ms Blake presented her view that the existing Dartford crossing, which is the pinch point for traffic travelling north or south to the east of London, would still be over capacity even if the new crossing goes ahead and the scheme that is planned does not connect properly with the existing road network in a way that might further ease congestion – particulartly when there are problems at Dartford.

Mr Palmer appears to concede the point, saying: "It does buy us time, it's not the be all and end…..you know it won't solve the problem indefinitely, and we've never been saying that.

"The reality is you know this is one of these pieces of infrastructure we need to relieve the crossing. There will be more need for other things later, and other developments, but this is a very good doubling of capacity east of London, and you know, is essential to the economy in both Kent and Essex."

Ms Blake has since said: "We question some of the facts and figures that Mr Palmer stated in the interview, as they clearly do not match up to the info being provided to the public in the consultations. Highways England's own figures prove that the Dartford Crossing would still be over capacity from day one.

"Surely at a cost of £8.2bn to taxpayers we deserve more than a hugely destructive and harmful project that it seems not only won't solve the problems we all suffer with due to the Dartford Crossing from day one, but that is being created knowing that it won't cope long term.

"Even if you buy into Matt's figures, which don't match the official figures, at a cost of £8.2bn for the 30 years the scheme would cope it works out at over £273million per year for those 30 years! Hardly value for money is it?"

Mrs Blake then called on local residents to have their say on the project before the latest consultation concludes on Wednesday (8 September).

She added: "It is so important that everyone please have their say in this LTC consultation before 23:59 on Weds 8th Sept. We have a Step by Step guide on our website for those that may want more info and help on taking part in the consultation – – Click here.

The interview can be listened to again via the Thames Crossing Action Group website – Click here.