David Wells OBE responds to Lower Thames Crossing private finance options letter

National Highways has been reviewing alternative funding options for delivering the project in addition to the existing option of full public funding and has identified two supplementary options involving private investment.  

The submission follows the letter issued by the Secretary of State on 5 February 2025 requesting relevant updated information relating to the funding of the A122 Lower Thames Crossing following a speech by the Chancellor of Exchequer.  

As set out in its letter of 30 January 2025, National Highways has been reviewing supplementary funding options for the project. The submission provides information on two options which National Highways has identified as viable, as well as selected documents updated to provide information on these supplementary options.  

Logistics UK's CEO, David Wells OBE said: "The Lower Thames Crossing is vital for connecting businesses across the whole of the UK with Europe and must be delivered to address the country’s overreliance on the congested Dartford Crossing.  

“This letter represents an important next step in making the much-needed Lower Thames Crossing a reality. It shows clear momentum - private finance can be used to deliver the LTC - and this is entirely compatible with the Development Consent Order planning application.  

"Logistics is fundamental to our economy, our way of life, and growth. It supplies our hospitals, schools, factories and shops with everything they need, everywhere, every day - nothing moves without it. So efficient logistics is critical to growth and therefore needs to be at the centre of the government’s Industrial Strategy."  

No decision has been taken on the funding option to be pursued; this would be a matter for government to determine separately from the development consent decision.  

The investment decision would be made in accordance with the Green Book (HM Treasury 2022). The next step is for the government to approve the application by 23 May. Ministers will then (and only then) need to decide how it is funded - but this gives them some solid options to work with. 

Published On: 06/03/2025 14:34:13

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