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JohnC
440 Posts |
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matt.jackson
568 Posts |
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Matsuba
77 Posts |
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matt.jackson
568 Posts |
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MikeD
156 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Jan 2010 : 11:10:43
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Mr Brown's recent visit to the proposed container terminal site was not particularly good news. It confirmed Dubai funding for the terminal and probably brings the threat of the dreaded road that bit closer.
Mike |
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Andy
192 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jan 2010 : 11:20:23
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This underlines the point that there are a lot of influential interests at work here, and if a consensus is reached that Option 3 is the best option for a new crossing from a road planning point of view (which sadly it is) than poor little Orsett won't get a look in.
We most continue to press the point that no new crossing is needed - just a 21st century system of toll collection to ease the congestion at the existing crossing.
Andy |
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flackk
2 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2010 : 13:21:20
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Just to let you know my position on this.
I told the Echo this week that
"I support a new crossing in principle, to relieve the congestion at the dartford Crossing. But it all depends on location.
Some people, in areas like Orsett, could lose large areas of green land to accommodate the crossing if it's built near them, so I would support it being built further to the east.
They need to have an extensive consultation with the public before they make a decision."
It does appear the Kent to Canvey option is now being strongly considered, and I would like to see that examined further.
Angela Smith MP
www.mpangelasmith.org
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Andy
192 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2010 : 19:07:08
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A worrying response from our MP. We DON'T need a new crossing (if we do Option 3 is a faIt accompli). We need instead to relieve the congestion on the existing crossing by sorting out the toll problem.
Angela seems to have ignored this point
Andy |
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matt.jackson
568 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2010 : 19:29:44
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quote:
Originally posted by matt.jackson
our mp hasn't forgot that option... as their fear, form recent simulation models, would indicate an influx of congestion if the tolls were lifted... just think how many people would use this crossing knowing it now free to do so...
As ive said in previous posts the investigation needs to be carried out with the current crossing operator to install an electronic system - like the london congestion charge. As its a privately run crossing im not so sure the government will have any say how the tolls are collected... the obvious impact here is each toll operator would no longer be required - and that clearly isnt a palatable option... Obvious benefits include reduced congestion and pollution due to each car not having to stop to pay a toll fee...
The biggest issue i see is with the increased traffic levels form the new port (all going down the a13 past orsett) - not much of the bulk shipments will be on rail road, so more lorries will be on our roads...
ive been told much of the freight will end up going to europe by lorry... this clearly needs a local route across the thames, into kent to effectively forward this freight on... Why it cant be delivered to the north europe shores is beyond me... however, taking it over the darford crossing is not a viable option in my opinion - a new crossing is required.
Regards,
Matt
www.mjmacintosh.co.uk
Regards,
Matt
www.mjmacintosh.co.uk |
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JohnC
440 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2010 : 19:32:35
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Matt,
The biggest problem I see with what you are suggesting is that it precludes the casual crossing.
Either every user would require something like a Dart Tag (unlikely and a logistical nightmare) or
Some sort of ANPR service which means drivers would either have to pay in advance or soon after...and I suspect this option would not be too palatable due to the investment required to enable it!
Cheers
JC |
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matt.jackson
568 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2010 : 21:15:34
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The dartford crossing is a complex issue that will take lots of thought...whatever i think!
Im sure you'll agree we dont want port traffic going past our doorsteps whatever toll collection system they choose... something closer to the port is required to carry europe bound traffic cleanly away!
Regards,
Matt
www.mjmacintosh.co.uk |
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Paul_and_Jacqui
426 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2010 : 21:44:16
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The argument that more traffic will use the crossing if the tolls are removed is totally without foundation (or evidence) as it supposes that there is a viable alternative. The reality is that there isn't, and IMO the increase in traffic would be very small (if measurable at all). People use the Dartford Crossing because they have no other choice!
Building Opt 3 via Orsett is a short-sighted option to choose as it requires a lot of new road infrastructure to be built and doesn't really solve the problem as it will funnel most of the traffic back onto the M25 around J29, causing horrendous congestion around there instead of at Dartford. It makes much more sense to build a tunnel crossing to Canvey as this could then link to the A130, and once the (long proposed and supported by residents) Chelmsford North bypass is built will provide a direct route up to the M11 (via the A120) avoiding the M25. This would have the effect of relieving traffic on the M25 between Dartford and probably as far as the M1 junction, which Opt 3 would certainly not do.
As for the ANPR system, it's used in plenty of other places (not least the London Congestion Charge zone) and would really not be that hard to administer. The technology is very well proven, and certainly cheaper in the long run than having tollbooths and all the requisite personnel to operate them. But I really don't see that it's necessary as the tolls should just be removed.
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matt.jackson
568 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2010 : 10:45:05
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I think we all know how the government like bottomless pits of money... and this crossing is a nice little earner! There's no way this'll be given up... im sure even if they sold it off they would still want the toll money!
Regards,
Matt
www.mjmacintosh.co.uk |
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Paul_and_Jacqui
426 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2010 : 12:50:32
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It all depends on joined-up thinking though.
Congestion costs the economy money.
Congestion also increases pollution from vehicle exhausts.
Do the fees obtained from the Dartford Crossing exceed the cost of the two factors above? Given that the government wants to stimulate the economy and reduce CO2 emissions, removing a source of congestion should be a priority. What they are instead doing is creating a second source of revenue by building a second crossing. |
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Here we go again!
