The politican leading Kent County Council's call for a new Thames crossing to be built east of Gravesend has lashed out at critics who want the idea put on hold.

Cllr David Brazier (Con), the county council's cabinet member for highways, said it would be a "pointless waste of time" to defer a decision on a location to allow an evaluation of the impact of lifting the Dartford Crossing toll barriers.

That is due to start in October 2014 in a bid to ease congestion at the crossing.

Cllr David Brazier criticised those wanting to wait as the county council formally confirmed it was supporting option C.

"Again and again, there is this nonsensical argument about lifting the tolls being some kind of impediment to a decision.

"What we are talking about is a project that will start in 2025. There is no doubt about it.

"To delay proceeding with this project until we see what happens with the tolls is a pointless waste of time."

Mr Brazier outspoken comments came at a meeting of KCC's cabinet - and as a consultation for the three options ends today.

He said travel forecasts indicated a 45% increase in lorry traffic in the area up to 2035. "We are talking about an enormous growth in traffic movements," he said.

But fellow cabinet member Cllr Bryan Sweetland - who had been in charge of roads until the election and represents the Gravesham Rural division - broke ranks with his own party.

He said he could not support the county council's backing for Option C, warning it was causing "distress and concern locally" and because there had been no assessment of the air pollution impact.

This includes dualling more sections of the A2 approaching Dover; improving the M2 J7 at Brenley Corner to provide free flow between M2 and A2; and improvements to A249 Detling Hill.

The leader of the county council Paul Carter said to do nothing would be a massive missed option.

He said: "We are thinking about what is in the best interests of the county and the country... most people support our stance."

County Hall's oppostion UKIP group said it did not support any of the options and echoed calls for an assessment of the impact of free flolw tolls before any decisions were made.

Cllr Mike Baldock questioned the need for a third crossing and said the government should look elsewhere to create jobs and investment.

He said: "The whole thing will become a self-fulfilling prophesy and willl create a huge amount of uncertainty for a long period of time."

The government is expected to announce its preferred location for the crossing in the autumn.

What do you think? Join the debate below.