The Department for Transport (DfT) has called for 'further' measures to reduce the carbon emissions on the planned Lower Thames Crossing scheme.
In a letter to National Highways and other parties, the DfT’s Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit also asked for further measures to enhance and improve public transport and active travel opportunities and ‘minimise’ disruption to residents during construction.
The DfT asked for details on 'what further measures could be implemented to reduce the carbon emissions' that could be secured in the Development Consent Order (DCO).
It invited National Highways (The Applicant) to update its latest assessment of the impact on carbon to reflect any further suggested measures, adding that if none can be found 'they are invited to set out the reasons why and how the existing measures will ensure the lowest possible carbon impact’.
The letter states: ‘This letter is without prejudice to the Secretary of State’s decision on the Lower Thames Crossing Application, and nothing in this letter is to be taken to imply what that decision might be.’
Last month transport secretary Louise Haigh was due to decide whether to grant the scheme a Development Consent Order but she issued a parliamentary statement saying that it was ‘necessary’ for the deadline to be extended until 23 May 2025.
In a post on LinkedIn, transport expert Dr Colin Black, who has previously worked for Thurrock Council, which opposes the scheme, wrote: ‘These are highly pertinent questions that were raised during consultation and should have been resolved by the DCO process. There was simply not enough time and the Planning Inspectorate gave such crucial issues little attention at Examination.
‘It is interesting to see the government pushing for accountability on a number of themes.’
The DfT gave a deadline for response 26 November.
