The Director of Planning and Transportation explained that questions raised from both the afternoon and evening session had been recorded and that all queries would be answered. The Committee agreed that the following points from the Witness Session and Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be used to form a report to Cabinet in March:

·         The Committee notes the strength of feelings and concerns shown by all interested parties.

·         Seeks better engagement and consultation with the public.

·         Seeks improved availability of consultation material to all interested parties.

·         Seeks an extension of the consultation period.

·         Agrees that consultants specifically look at the effects of the 3 proposals on congestion within the borough and the impact on the Strategic Road Network, particularly in the east of borough. Notes concerns were raised regarding M25 congestion.

·         That the Scrutiny report would investigate issues around air quality, noise, environment degradation, loss of green belt and impact on health in the borough.

·         Issues in relation to the Business Case would be linked into a review of data and whether the proposals would be value for money.

·         Consultants would investigate strategic issues in relation to the 14% of traffic rerouting from the Dartford Crossing that would use the Lower Thames Crossing and how quickly the former would reach its full capacity.

·         Further details would be sought from Highways England as to local traffic generation and route allocation.

·         Notes concern that no considerations had been given to the alternative modal options. The Minister at the Select Committee on Crossings specifically said that sustainable transport and integrated land use and multi module options would be considered. It was explained that Officers would be seeking through their consultants to see if this had taken place and how it would affect decision making when moving towards the preferred option in the future.

The Leader of the Council enlightened the Committee that all interested parties had been informed that there was a 15 working day delay before receiving any response regarding consultation materials from Highways England. The Highways Group Leader explained that all consultation materials were individually franked and had seal numbers.  It was added that the service level agreement was 15 working days and that Highways England was unable to promise that papers would be distributed any sooner than that timeframe.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the Committee noted all representations from interested parties and reported their views which would be incorporated into a report to Cabinet in March as part of the development of the Council’s response to the Lower Thames Crossing Consultation.

2.            That the Director of Planning and Transportation would liaise with the Highways England to ensure that Lower Thames Crossing consultation materials and maps are made available to Thurrock Council, members of the public and Councillors.

3.            That the Chair of the Committee in agreement with Group Leaders would write a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport. The letter would request that the 300 addresses of residents whom received letters regarding their property being lost/affected would be provided to the Council. The letter would also evidence and request an extension to the consultation period and raise concerns over the inadequate information.