A South Essex MP has once again raised his frustrations in the House of Commons about the Government’s continued lack of action over the proposed Lower Thames Crossing project.
Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, has become increasingly sceptical over recent years about whether the proposed multi-billion-pound Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) will ever actually be built. Mark, who is in favour of the project, has raised his concerns about HM Government’s inaction on several occasions, including most recently on 12th February 2026 where, during Transport Questions in the House of Commons, Mark said:
“Essex man and woman love their cars, but the A13 and the A127 in South Essex, in the morning and evening peak, are now at 99% capacity - they're maxed out. The proposed Lower Thames Crossing would help, but Labour are now saying that it will be 90% private funded but they won't say by whom. So, for the fourth time of asking in this Chamber, which companies, banks or other financial institutions will now pay for the Lower Thames Crossing? Because many people in Essex are beginning to believe Labour are never, ever going to build it?”
In responding to Mark’s question, the Minister for Local Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP replied:
“Well, that's just not true. I can assure him that this Government are determined to provide the road infrastructure that this Government wants. That's why we are providing public funding to start this project and we will say more in the coming weeks and months.”
Mark will continue to challenge the Government about who will pay for the LTC and when it will open.
