§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he will publish guidelines to prospective promoters of a third crossing of the Thames at Dartford.
§ Mr. RidleyI did so today. Copies of the guidelines have been placed in the Library. I am both sorry that it has taken so long to complete this work, and that I have not yet had the benefit of the Select Committee on Transport's report on tolls.
This invitation to promoters is designed to give the Government a choice of engineering solutions and methods of finance in providing enhanced capacity for the Thames crossing at Dartford. Any engineering solution meeting the Department's standards, summarised in an annex to the guidelines, will be considered.
Promoters are invited to submit proposals on any of three alternative bases: to design, construct and finance a new crossing, recovering their investment from tolls; to design and finance during the construction period a new crossing for sale to the Government at a pre-determined price; or to design and build a new crossing with the Government financing the construction as it progresses. The guidelines contemplate that a promoter who chooses to construct and operate the new crossing would also assume responsibility for the existing tunnels—and their outstanding debt—at present owned and operated jointly by Essex and Kent county council.
Any proposal by a promoter to levy tolls must include a clear statement of the initial toll, the conditions governing toll revisions and the period over which tolls are proposed to be levied.
Proposals must be submitted by 31 May. I hope to make a decision before 1 August. I shall select the proposal which offers the best value for money. The starting date for construction will depend on the passage of legislation in Parliament.