Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Option A for a new Lower Thames Crossing is still (a) included in the consultation and (b) considered by his Department to be a viable option.

In July 2014, the Secretary of State for Transport announced the next steps for delivering a new Lower Thames crossing. This led to Highways England launching a public consultation on its proposals that started on 26 January 2016.

I can confirm that Option A is included within the consultation and remains an option for consideration. I would encourage all local communities and businesses to provide their views before the end of the consultation on the 24 March 2016.