by political editor Paul Francis

A new Thames crossing, lower rail fares than expected and the prospect of a fresh look at controversial plans for an airport in the Thames Estuary were the key announcements affecting Kent in today's budget.

George Osborne stopped short of making any explicit reference to the Thames Estuary airport but said the government intended to explore all the options for improving aviation capacity in the south east.

That has been regarded as a willingness to examine the schemes that have been put forward by Mayor of London Boris Johnson and, lately, Lord Foster but without any commitment that either will be supported.

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch said the government had not shifted its position on the airport.

"This shouldn't be interpreted as the go-ahead for a Thames Estuary airport, which would be hugely expensive, environmentally damaging and furiously opposed by the majority of local people," she said.

"As far as I'm aware, this is all part of the wider consultation on UK aviation strategy and the government's position has not changed."

Mr Osborne set out the proposals in a National Infrastructure Plan, detailing a range of projects that the government hopes will kick-start the economy.

There was also better news for hard-pressed train passengers in Kent as the Chancellor confirmed that there would be a cap on fares.

Instead of allowing train companies to raise fares by the rate of inflation plus 3%, they will have to cap fares at 1% above inflation. Full details of how this will affect fares are likely to be announced soon.

On the plans for a new Thames Crossing, the Chancellor said the government would start working on a scheme but did not detail where it might be built.

He also announced he was scrapping a 3p per litre rise in fuel duty planned for January, following a campaign by Kent haulier Peter Carroll, who spearheaded the FairFuelUK campaign.