Following the announcement by Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander, to approve the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Lower Thames Crossing, Logistics UK Chief Executive David Wells OBE says it will drive growth across the whole economy:
“Businesses up and down the country are currently hamstrung by delays crossing the Thames, so the government’s decision to approve the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order (DCO) today is excellent news. The scheme has been in the planning stages for over a decade and this is a momentous decision: industry is united in its backing for this vital trade route and when completed will unlock UK logistics, drive growth and help keep supply chains moving across the whole country.”
The British International Freight Association also welcomed the news. BIFA director general, Steve Parker, said:
“This is a great result for the campaign, backed by politicians and businesses, as well as BIFA, for a project that was first mooted in 2009 as a means of addressing the problems that congestion at the Dartford Crossing causes.
“Media reports indicate that work will commence in 2026 and could be complete by 2032. Our members, who manage the transport of a considerable amount of the UK’s visible trade, will be delighted.”
