MediaResponding to the latest funding for the Lower Thames Crossing, Sam Richards, CEO of pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade said:
“Coming just a few months after the Lower Thames Crossing finally got the green light following years of dithering and delay, this funding is obviously welcome news. But the new crossing of the Thames is a shining example of what is wrong with delivering major infrastructure projects in Britain today.
“Because of our broken planning system the Lower Thames Crossing has repeatedly been delayed while costs have ballooned to a staggering £9bn. Its planning application alone cost a staggering £300m before a spade even hit the ground - more than it cost Norway to actually build the world’s longest tunnel.
“Britain desperately needs this new crossing to ease congestion and boost growth, but endless delays and red tape have made progress painfully slow. The government must learn the lesson: announcements aren’t delivery. Let’s fix the system and get Britain building again.”