CBI chief Sir Digby Jones has backed calls for a new Lower Thames Crossing to ease congestion and bridge the economic gulf between Kent and the rest of the South East.

Inward investment agency Locate in Kent and property experts Cluttons have warned the Government that its flagship Thames Gateway Kent regeneration project could be jeopardised without a new river crossing east of Dartford.

They claim that the building of more than 21,000 new homes in Kent Thameside (Dartford and Gravesham) over the next 20 years will put a huge strain on existing infrastructure, and argue that the area will fail to fulfil its potential without another river crossing.

Yet there are no plans for a second Lower Thames Crossing in the South East Plan and LiK/Cluttons claim it is "not on the horizon" of the Department of Transport.

The plea came just before the CBI launched a campaign for a massive increase in spending on transport. It claims delays cost business millions of pounds and hit the country’s competitiveness and productivity.

Speaking at the CBI conference in London, Sir Digby said that there was a strong case for the new crossing.

He said: "I can see a clear business case for that. The benefits for the Thames Gateway would be enormous."

Sir Digby, who steps down next year, told delegates after a speech by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling: "When I came into this job six years ago, I said transport was the greatest long-term problem facing business in this country. Nothing I’ve heard this morning changes my mind."

Sir Graeme Odgers, LiK chairman, believes a new crossing is vital.

He said: "Kent enjoys strong east-west transport links but this new crossing would be vital in improving links with Essex and the rest of the country. Efficient infrastructure, both road and rail, is a vital factor in attracting businesses to an area.

"If we are to achieve the Government’s ambitious targets for economic growth we must secure the employment opportunities in the form of high quality jobs. A second crossing would make this a reality sooner, rather than later."

John Wilkins, partner based at Cluttons in Maidstone, said the Dartford crossing was already operating ahead of anticipated capacity.

"So what can we do? To avoid a constant log jam at Dartford Crossing and help unlock a number of important sites for commercial development there is only one sustainable option – to build a second Lower Thames Crossing, linking Kent and Essex.

"This would reduce congestion, increase local business and get business moving locally. It would also stimulate greater trade between communities north and south of the river."