JAMES McMurdock MP has criticised the Government after ministers confirmed that taxpayers’ money is being used to subsidise increased rail freight movements through East Tilbury, despite concerns that this will worsen disruption at the town’s level crossing.
In response to a Written Parliamentary Question from Mr McMurdock, the Department for Transport confirmed that its Mode Shift Revenue Support Scheme continues to fund freight movements operating through the area, with 10 freight flows receiving a combined £6.9 million in taxpayer support during 2026/27.
The Government also admitted it has not carried out any assessment of the impact this could have on gate downtime at East Tilbury station.
The Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock said:
“This is exactly the sort of thing that infuriates people about politics. Residents in East Tilbury already face long delays at the crossing, with gates regularly down for extended periods. Now the Government has confirmed it is subsidising additional freight movements through the area using taxpayers’ own money, without even assessing the impact on local people.”
Mr McMurdock has previously raised concerns about the effect the crossing has on congestion, emergency access, and day-to-day life in East Tilbury, and recently pressed ministers to consider infrastructure improvements in the area.
He added:
“People in East Tilbury are effectively paying through their taxes to make their own lives worse. If ministers are going to fund schemes that increase freight traffic through the area, the very least they should do is assess the impact properly and invest in solutions for residents dealing with the consequences. I have advocated before, and will do so again, for a bridge to be installed so East Tilbury’s residents don’t have to suffer any more than they have done already.”
Mr McMurdock said he will continue pressing the Government on the issue and pushing for action to reduce disruption locally.
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