Dartford has higher instances of respiratory diseases and asthma because of the Dartford crossing, county councillors are expected to hear today, as KCC discusses government plans for a new Thames crossing.

The report before Environment, Highways and Waste Cabinet Committee members stated that air quality in Dartford was poor because of the high level of emissions from vehicles using the crossing.

Looking at government plans for a second crossing, the report said: “These high levels of emissions of specific pollutants will have an impact on health.

“This will be particularly so for Dartford and Thurrock residents who live in close proximity to the approaches to the existing crossing.

“To some extent this is borne out by the fact that Dartford has higher lung cancer rates than other districts in Kent and the transport related air pollution increases the risk of mortality, particularly from cardiopulmonary causes.”

The worst hit areas as Stone, Greenhithe and Swanscombe.

The report adds: “It also affects health in a number of other ways, including: non-allergic respiratory disease; allergic illness and symptoms, such as asthma; cardiovascular morbidity; cancer; pregnancy; birth outcomes; and male fertility.

Transport minister Stephen Hammond visited the Dartford crossing last month to announce three proposed routes which are going through public consultation until July 16.

He predicted traffic over the next 20 years was likely to increase by 25%.