TCAG statement on second DCO decision delay

The Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, today announced a delay to the DCO decision until 23 May 2025, after the spending review in March 2025.

Matt Jackson of Thames Crossing Action Group, said: “Thames Crossing Action Group are disappointed with the further delay to a decision on the Lower Thames Crossing. This leaves residents blighted, with anxiety paying a huge toll on our health and wellbeing. It is about time the government made the Lower Thames Crossing extinct as the dinosaur project it is. Paying £10bn for just five years relief at Dartford is not good enough. Putting freight on rail is a sustainable long term solution we should be looking at, not more road building. This would be greener, faster, and cheaper. We will use this time to continue making all the compelling arguments against this £10bn+ mistake”

Although TCAG would obviously prefer the LTC was scrapped, we will use the delay to the decision on the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Lower Thames Crossing to continue to make the case against the scheme so that the new Government can look at this £10 billion project afresh. This is an opportunity to cancel this expensive white elephant scheme, and use the £10 billion for transport solutions that do not increase traffic, air pollution and carbon emissions, and trash ancient woodland.

We hope the Secretary of State will examine the independent report by Dr Colin Black, who was the strategic lead for Thurrock Council during the 6 month LTC Development Consent Order (DCO) examination.

Following the 6 month LTC Development Consent Order (DCO) examination, the Examining Authority presented their recommendations report to the Secretary of State for Transport on 20th March 2024.

The Secretary of State then had 3 months to consider and make the announcement whether to grant or refuse the DCO planning application. There have been further rounds of post examination consultation, and a decision was due to be announced by the 20th June 2024.  However, on 24 May 2024, the prevous Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, announced that the Lower Thames Crossing decision has been delayed until 4 October 2024, due to the general election announcement.

Since today’s announcement has not resulted in a decision being announced, TCAG will continue to make the case against the LTC.  Watch this space!