Councillor Massey introduced the report and explained that the Task Force had received a verbal update on the A13 junction in March, where officers had reported on the potential impact of the proposed LTC on the A13 and A0189, and it was reported that because of the LTC, the A13 could see increased traffic at peak travel times. He added that the Task Force were informed that construction carried out on the A13 during LTC construction could also impact local villages and junctions, such as East Tilbury, the Manorway junction, the B1420, and Southend Road. Councillor Massey explained that the LTC would use local road capacity and could impact on the Council’s ability to deliver local economic growth aspirations, such as the Thames Freeport and emerging Local Plan. Councillor Massey also highlighted that during the Task Force’s discussions at that meeting, it had come to light that Thurrock’s main local traffic movement times had differed to the strategic times used by National Highways, who had found the larger peaks in the evening. He added that Members of the Task Force felt that the impact on villages such as Linford, East Tilbury, and Chadwell St Mary had not been addressed by National Highways, as other projects going on in Thurrock could also have an affect on the capacity of the local road network. He stated that overall, the Task Force remained concerned regarding the negative impacts of the LTC and junction connectivity with the Orsett Cock and Manorway junctions, and other local roads.

Councillor Massey explained that the Task Force continually requested information regarding the Health Impact Assessment, but the Council were waiting on answers and base line data from National Highways. He hoped this would be received by the Task Force soon. Councillor Massey confirmed that at the June Task Force meeting, Members had discussed an item of urgent business regarding the Thurrock Council letter to the Treasury as the value for money of the proposed LTC had appeared to decrease. He stated that the Task Force had also considered the local refinement consultation response, and Members had expressed their concern that the consultation had too few physical events and did not last long enough. Councillor Massey added the Task Force also debated issues such as the impact to the A13 at junctions; tunnelling spoil transportation; HGVs on local roads; and the Tilbury Fields size reduction as the main concerns going forward. Councillor Massey summarised and explained that the next Task Force meeting was scheduled for 17 October where National Highways would be attending to take questions from Members, as well as discussing the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.

The Acting Leader thanked Councillor Massey for his update and felt that there had been constructive work with officers in Task Force meetings. He felt pleased to see that regular reports on the work of the Task Force were presented to Cabinet, and provided constructive criticisms and a critical friend. He added that the LTC could have negative impacts in Thurrock, both during construction and once the route was opened, and would not bring many positives to the area. He urged Task Force Members to thoroughly question National Highways at their next meeting to ensure that the proposed LTC would provide some benefit to Thurrock if built.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1. Noted the work of the Task Force.

Reason for decision: as outlined in the report
This decision is subject to call-in