RHA welcomes Thames Crossing announcement
Up to 4.5 million HGVs are expected to use the additional Thames Crossing, which will create a new link between the A2 and the M25, in its first year – but that is still a decade away.
Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, said, ‘The new crossing will have a tremendously positive economic benefit. The project itself will provide thousands of jobs and will give a real boost to business across the South East.
‘Hauliers are responsible for moving 85% of the UK economy. The new route will reduce journey times, especially for those heading towards or away from the all-important Channel ports. The congestion on the Dartford Crossing will also be reduced and the potential savings for operators in terms of time, money and fuel will be considerable.
‘Our main concern is that the anticipated completion date will be 10 years from now. If traffic levels continue to increase at their current levels, the new crossing may be obsolete before it even opens.’
