Lorry parking fears over Lower Thames Crossing plans
MPs warn lack of facilities could push drivers onto residential streets.
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Plans for the new Lower Thames Crossing have raised concerns among Members of Parliament that lorry drivers may be forced to park on residential roads due to the absence of a dedicated service station. The 14-mile crossing is intended to connect the A2 near Gravesend with the A13 in Thurrock and the M25 near Upminster.
Concerns raised in Parliament
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Transport Committee chair Ruth Cadbury raised the issue in the House of Commons on Thursday during a debate on the Highways (Financing) Bill. Ms Cadbury stated that hauliers require safe places to stop and sleep, but current plans would only allow drivers to use A-road laybys without facilities for food or safety.
She warned that this 'national policy gap' could lead drivers to seek parking in nearby towns and residential areas. While early plans for the crossing had included a service area, this was later removed. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has indicated there is 'no requirement' to reinstate such a facility.
Thurrock MP Jen Craft echoed these concerns, highlighting that the lack of facilities would likely worsen existing difficulties with lorry drivers parking in unsuitable locations. Ms Cadbury agreed, predicting that the crossing would significantly increase the volume of trucks and lorries on an already busy network, thereby exacerbating the problem.
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Ms Cadbury suggested that a private landowner might apply for planning permission to build a rest area nearby. She also questioned how long it would be before toll payers effectively paid to park on approach roads if wider transport changes were not implemented alongside the crossing.
Alternative transport proposals
Jen Craft proposed that a small portion of the toll revenue from the Lower Thames Crossing could be used to subsidise a river ferry service between Kent and Essex. She noted that the former Gravesend-Tilbury Ferry service, which offered a direct crossing, ceased operation in 2024.
Roads minister Justin Madders stated that the Highways (Financing) Bill was introduced primarily to facilitate the delivery of the Lower Thames Crossing, which aims to double road capacity east of London, improve journey times, and alleviate congestion at Dartford. He clarified that the Bill's focus is on the financial framework for delivery, not the specific design of the crossing.
Questions this report answers
+What facilities are planned for the Lower Thames Crossing?
Current plans for the Lower Thames Crossing do not include a dedicated rest area or service station for commercial drivers. This has led to concerns that lorry drivers may seek parking in residential areas.
+Why are MPs concerned about the lack of lorry parking facilities?
MPs are worried that without designated rest areas, lorry drivers will park on residential roads, exacerbating existing parking problems and potentially compromising safety. They believe this represents a national policy gap.
+What is the purpose of the Lower Thames Crossing?
The Lower Thames Crossing is designed to connect the A2 near Gravesend with the A13 in Thurrock and the M25 near Upminster. It aims to increase road capacity across the Thames east of London and reduce congestion at Dartford.
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