§ Mr. MoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what interest has been expressed by the private sector in the development and operation of a lower Thames crossing; and when he hopes to announce a starting date for this project.
§ Mr. ChopePrivate sector firms have indicated to the Department their potential interest in the proposal for a lower Thames crossing to be provided on a privately financed basis.
This is a long-term project. Consultants will be appointed to examine the need, location and type of river crossing and to investigate possible road links to serve it. The study will also address the feasibility of a crossing as a privately financed toll road.