Kent Wildlife Trust’s response to announcement around the Lower Thames Crossing

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Today, Secretary of State Rachel Reeves reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to economic growth, announcing that the controversial Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) will move forward, with private financing if necessary. However, conservationists are warning that this project will cause irreversible damage to the UK’s climate and biodiversity.

The LTC is a deeply flawed and short-sighted scheme that will destroy up to 8 hectares of irreplaceable ancient woodland, emit 6.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, making it the highest carbon-emitting road scheme in the UK and worsen air pollution, with nitrogen dioxide levels already exceeding legal limits in some areas, posing serious risks to both public health and the environment.

While there is an undeniable need to address congestion at the Dartford Crossing, National Highways has indicated that the LTC will only reduce traffic there by 20%. Evidence from similar projects shows that new roads fail to ease congestion in the long term, instead inducing more traffic as increased capacity encourages greater use.

KWT

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive Evan Bowen-Jones says:

“With the 2030 deadline fast approaching for 30% of land and sea to be in recovery, we urgently need a more strategic approach to infrastructure. The decision to move forward with the Lower Thames Crossing highlights a wider issue, nature must be recognised as critical infrastructure, not a constraint. To build true resilience for the future, we need smarter decisions that prioritise restoring and protecting nature as the foundation of a sustainable infrastructure network.”

KWT

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Planning and Policy Officer Emma Waller says:

“The Lower Thames Crossing is not a sustainable solution; it is merely a short-term fix that exacerbates a deeper, systemic problem. At a time of climate and biodiversity crises, infrastructure projects must align with the UK’s legally binding commitments to halt species decline, protect 30% of land and water by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions. The Lower Thames Crossing will destroy irreplaceable habitats, increase carbon emissions, and contribute to long-term environmental degradation. This is not the future we should be building.

“We urge the government to rethink the Lower Thames Crossing and invest in sustainable transport solutions that benefit both people and nature. Large-scale infrastructure projects must prioritise climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and truly effective long-term congestion relief.”