The controversial Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) will not be going ahead unless it identifies a path to zero carbon by 2050, according to one of the project's directors.
The multi-billion-pound crossing, which is intended to run between the A2/M2 in Kent and junction 29 of the M25 in Havering, has been designated a ‘pathfinder’ project by National Highways.
This means it is to be used to explore how the government body can achieve its target of carbon neutral construction by 2050.
Industry title New Civil Engineer has now reported that LTC’s tunnelling director, Sinisa Galac, told attendees at an event that if a path to net zero is not found, “there won’t be a project”.
“We have been rightfully challenged by environmental groups and by the government to be where we should be with the Paris climate agreement,” Mr Galac is reported to have said at NCE’s Tunnelling Festival on December 7.
“And the Climate Change Act 2008 is a legally binding document – if we don’t end up on the path towards carbon net zero in 2050, we are going to be breaking the law.”
Mr Galac added that there is no alternative to formulating an effective plan, and that "if we don’t resolve it, there won’t be a project”.
Following the event, Laura Blake, chair of the Thames Crossing Action Group, accused National Highways of showing “very little action to back up the ambitions”.
She said: “The UK has a legal commitment to net zero, and the cost to the environment needs to be taken into account.
“Huge road projects like the proposed LTC are extremely destructive and harmful, and evidence shows that the LTC would not solve the problems at the Dartford Crossing either.
“There are better and more sustainable options that need to be considered.”
Mr Galac told the Recorder that as a ‘pathfinder’ project, the LTC is focussed on reducing carbon as it builds the new road.
He said: “We're now in the process of bringing on delivery partners and suppliers who will be incentivised to cut carbon production, and in doing so create a new normal that will drive the construction industry along the road to net zero.
“We have to act to tackle the daily congestion at Dartford and drive economic growth, and we are fully committed to doing so in a way that supports the UK’s commitment to battle climate change.”
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National Highways recently announced the government has accepted the project’s development consent order application, and that the planning inspectorate will now be examining the proposal.
Matt Palmer, executive director for the LTC, said: “We’ve carried out a huge programme of engagement and consultation with our stakeholders and communities to improve the design of the Lower Thames Crossing and reduce our impact on our neighbours and the environment.
“We're grateful to our stakeholders and local communities for taking the time to give us feedback and help us shape our route and how we will build it.”
Ms Blake however accused National Highways of conducting “a lack of adequate consultation” ahead of the submission, describing the project as “a complete waste of taxpayers’ money”, with costs now estimated by the National Audit Office to be up to £9 billion.
National Highways said it expects the planning process as a whole to take around 18 months, including six months of examination.
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