NATIONAL Highways today announced four new Lower Thames Crossing info events. In their announcement they say the events are so that people can find out the latest project updates and ask questions.
The events will all be held between 4-8pm, and are in Upminster (Feb 16), East Tilbury(Feb 17), Orsett (Feb 28), and Gravesend (March 3).
The information at the events will include the proposed new or improved paths for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, as well as keeping people updated on how they are working with local schools and businesses to create opportunities for new jobs and skills.
The announcement goes on to point out that National Highways are drawing up plans for a consultation on other changes and refinements. That they engaging with the host local authorities on the details of this new consultation, and will publish details in due course.
But local campaign group, Thames Crossing Action Group, have questions and concerns about these news info events.
Firstly, they learnt at Thurrock Council’s January LTC Task Force meeting that the dates being proposed for the new consultation are 24th March – 22nd April a period when both Thurrock and Havering will be in purdah because of elections. Not only that two of the four weeks would be during the Easter holidays when many may be away. Those dates are obviously not yet confirmed, but if they do go ahead it is not that long after the new info events, which National Highways have made clear are not consultation events. The action group think that this is misleading and will lead to confusion for some.
Two of the four info events are during school half term when again people may be away. Considering one of the aspects that is being covered by these info events is LTC work in schools, the remaining two info events that are during term time will be held between 4-8pm a time when parents will likely be collecting their children from school, helping with homework, getting dinner, and putting younger children to bed.
On the topic of timing there are also concerns that the info events are at the same time as Thurrock Council are holding their Local Plan consultation, so LTC events are not best timed in that regard as people are already busy with Local Plan consultation and associated events.
Not to mention concerns that these info events will also add to consultation fatigue both in regard to other consultations that are occurring and the LTC process too. We note that it is stated that the info events are not a consultation, but that technicality does not affect the fact that people still are being asked to spend time and energy in regard to LTC by attending these events. Public perception will be that it is an event that they can get info and ask questions, so to them won’t feel that different from attending a consultation event.
It was also learnt at the January LTC Task Force meeting that the proposed consultation, that is currently being discussed, would not include important aspects such as updated traffic data, or new air and noise pollution survey results since the info is still being collected.
Whilst the action group have concerns about the info events taking place, if these events are happening, why aren’t all impacted areas getting an event?
Laura Blake, Chair of Thames Crossing Action Group said:
“We feel National Highways/LTC need to stop bombarding people with bits of useless info, and instead should concentrate on preparing an adequate and accessible consultation much later in the year, and ensure it is held at a time that doesn’t clash with purdah, holidays, council Local Plan Consultation, and other local important issues.”
“We need and deserve a clear and informative consultation at an appropriate time, that includes info and data on things like the updated traffic data, and results of the air and noise pollution surveys etc, as well as details of any changes being made. We do not need info events where time is limited, details and info will likely be lacking, and the timing is questionable to say the least. We seriously question the reasoning behind holding these info events, especially with another consultation due.”
