Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of public transport links between Essex and Kent.

The Government recognises the geographical constraints on direct transport links between Essex and Kent. We have announced the preferred route for a new Lower Thames Crossing to improve strategic road links between the two counties that will help relieve pressure at the existing Dartford crossing. This extra road capacity could offer more direct journeys for passengers on any bus services making use of the new route. The Government continues to invest in improvements to rail infrastructure in both Essex and Kent and Department officials continue to work closely with local partners to identify local transport improvements. Separately, the independent Thames Estuary Commission has been considering, amongst other things, proposals for transport links to unlock growth potential in the area and we look forward to the publication of the Commission’s report later this year.