Jackie Demands Action Following Repeated Closures of QE2 Bridge

Media Release

 

Date :    7^th January 2014

From:   Jackie Doyle-Price Member of Parliament for Thurrock

 

Jackie Demands Action Following Repeated Closures of QE2 Bridge

 

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price has raised the horrendous traffic conditions caused by repeated closure of the Dartford-Thurrock Bridge on the floor of the house and demanded that COBRA assess the resilience of the road network following the stormy weather.

 

Over Christmas there was significant disruption to the M25 and gridlock on Thurrock's roads as the QE2 bridge was closed on three separate occasions due to high winds.

 

Jackie said, "It is important that a proper assessment of the impact of the weather on the road network is made at the highest levels of Government and that is why I want COBRA to look at this.  I am convinced that if a proper look is taken, the Government would conclude that we need a new outer ring road to complement the M25 and ensure that there is resilience in the road network.  it is why it should really think again about options for a lower Thames crossing.  I will be writing to the Prime Minister to formalise this request."

 

End

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS

 

COBRA is the cabinet committee which deals with emergency situations.  Jackie was speaking in response to Environment Secretary Owen Paterson's statement on flooding

 

Jackie can be contacted by 01268 200430 – 0207 219 7171 or mark.coxshall@parliament.uk

 

Office of Jackie Doyle Price and Stephen Metcalfe

Members of Parliament for Thurrock and South Basildon & East Thurrock