Gravesham River Crossings 2025-07-03

Opened the debate

I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity to discuss the importance of river crossings in my constituency of Gravesham. I cover two river crossings: one old and closed, which is the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry; and one planned and very expensive, which is the lower Thames crossing. The Gravesend-Tilbury ferry service ceased funding last year, impacting local businesses significantly. Businesses such as Marie’s Tea Room have lost staff due to the lack of ferry service. Residents and businesses want their ferry back. There are no public transport options from Woolwich to the Kent coast, but there is interest in introducing a ferry service via Thames Clipper. The lower Thames crossing will impact Gravesham, particularly concerning congestion, air quality, ancient woodland loss, and local infrastructure. I request assurances about construction impacts, traffic management, housing crisis, and job benefits for residents.

Government Response

The minister's COMPLETE response is missing in the provided transcript. Please provide the full text of the minister’s speech to extract all necessary information such as funding announcements, policy commitments, timelines, and specific answers to raised questions. Acknowledged the historical significance and usefulness of the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry services that ended in March 2024 due to lack of funding. Mentioned the economic importance of north Kent and south Essex, and noted that ferry decisions are a matter for local partners and authorities. Cited examples where local ferry services received funding such as Mersey Ferries and Woolwich Ferry. Highlighted Government’s transport priorities with capital funding for bus services, active travel improvements, and road maintenance. Explained the exploration of viable funding options including private finance and road user charging for the lower Thames crossing. Mentioned £40 million allocated to Kent county council for highways, over £23 million for bus service improvement, and £5.7 million for active travel in 2025-26. The Minister acknowledged the financial challenges faced by local authorities and confirmed that the Chancellor had extended the £3 bus fare cap until March 2027. However, they noted there was limited revenue funding available to local authorities, which would require them to prioritise services accordingly. The minister urged all partners in the region and Members of Parliament who spoke during the debate to work together constructively to find appropriate transport solutions, including river services. They instructed officials at the Department for Transport to collaborate closely with local partners to identify any funding opportunities that could support local plans. The Minister also expressed hope that the public house mentioned by the MP for Thurrock would reopen in the future.