To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the current status is of plans for the building of a Lower Thames Crossing; and what assessment he has made of the benefits of such a crossing for local residents in Romford and the London Borough of Havering.

Proposals for the Lower Thames Crossing are being developed ahead of a statutory consultation, expected to take place later this year.

The Department is encouraging Highways England to continue to engage with local stakeholders and residents, including the London Borough of Havering, to ensure that residents benefit from this significant investment. The Lower Thames Crossing is expected to offer more reliable journeys and open up local opportunities for investment and business growth, improving access to new jobs and skills.

Work is currently being undertaken to assess the economic and transport benefits that will be generated by the scheme both locally and across the region. These appraisals will continue to inform both the detailed design and the case for the scheme, ahead of Highways England’s application for Development Consent in late 2019.