A long-awaited river crossing has been branded a “dinosaur scheme…that should be extinct” by a transport expert.

On the eve of a government decision on the future of the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) scheme for Gravesham and Thurrock an independent report by Transport Action Network (TAN) has highlighted failings.

Written by transport consultant Dr Colin Black, who served as strategic lead to Thurrock council during the examination of the scheme’s Development Consent Order (DCO), the report has been submitted to Labour’s Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh.

Describing the LTC as “a dinosaur scheme from another era that really should be extinct”, the report said it had failed tests on relieving congestion, benefiting the environment and value for money, amongst other things.

The report instead projected the existing Dartford Crossing will be back at its present level of congestion just five years after the LTC opens.

It also concluded it would generate more than six million tonnes of carbon dioxide during construction and its operation would lead to increased fatalities and serious injuries with its design to controversial Smart Motorway standards.

It also failed affordability and value for money tests, with projections calculating it be more expensive per kilometre than HS2.

It predicted traffic will be significantly increased in Thurrock and Gravesham as a result.

‘A dinosaur scheme from another era that really should be extinct’

The report said it will not benefit bus travel as it has been designed to exclude a viable cross-Estuary bus service, and the growth generated has been calculated at just 0.03% for the UK economy.

The LTC is projected to cost at least £9 billion and is the largest scheme left behind from the Conservatives’ roads programme.

But it is expected to return only 22p for every pound spent, which is said to be far lower return than for a range of public transport, rail freight and active travel schemes awaiting funding across England.

TAN founder and director Chris Todd is calling on the government to cancel the scheme to avoid “a costly mistake”.

He said: “In her speech to last week’s Labour Party Conference, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP declared that the government is ‘not just cleaning up the mess of the last fourteen years – we are ripping up the very roots of Thatcherism that have undermined and run down our transport system for decades’.

“There is no more tangible manifestation of this than the bloated roads programme inherited from the Conservatives. The LTC is its most grotesque example and a dinosaur even on its own terms.

“We urge Louise Haigh to heed Colin Black’s warnings, cancel LTC and avoid a costly mistake for UK taxpayers. Investment should instead be focused on public transport and active travel schemes which genuinely support the government’s five missions.

“Diverting some of the savings from cancelling the LTC and other roads could help fix the existing pothole-ridden network. This would fulfil a pledge from Labour’s manifesto and is popular, with 80% of the public supporting this approach.”

Lauren Sullivan MP (Lab), who represents Gravesham, added her opposition.

“I remain opposed to the Lower Thames Crossing, as I have from day one. I have concerns over the environmental impact, noise disturbances and health concerns for those living closest to the tunnel portal and the approach in Gravesend.

“I also have real concerns about the wider effects on the traffic on the A227, which will see increased traffic through Meopham, Vigo and Istead Rise for people that will cut through to the M20.

“Without improvements to the Blue Bell Hill junction, this will have significant impact on my constituents and businesses in the area.

‘We urge Louise Haigh to…avoid a costly mistake’

“The negative impact on the environment and ancient woodland and the wider impact on Gravesham are not yet mitigated.

“This includes local core asks around skills and training, free or discounted travel for Gravesham residents, increased environmental improvements, infrastructure to support the use of hydrogen fuel, improved leisure infrastructure connected to the new Cascades Leisure Centre, proper supply of housing for LTC construction workers and the impact on two Traveller sites.

“We need to see more focus on public transport solutions, in line with our environmental goals, such as an expanded river crossing service, more affordable bus travel and a fit for purpose train network to encourage less cars on the road.”

The project, which would see a tunnel beneath the Thames linking land east of Gravesend to Essex, has been heavily supported by Kent’s business community which believes it will be key to enhancing transport links with the rest of the country.

The Development Consent Order was put back due to the general election announcement. The decision will give the scheme the green light to finally go ahead, if it is approved.