A NEW Thames crossing is likely to be built in Thurrock, according to Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

Speaking to the Gazette on a visit to the Calor Gas Centre at Coryton, he said the government are now looking at two options – both of which are in Thurrock.

He also said he first wanted to see how the new free flow tolling system that’s been in place on the Dartford Crossing since November copes before a decision is made.

Option A, which would be built alongside the current Dartford Crossing, and option C, which would land in Tilbury, now appear to be the only options on the table despite protests otherwise from Thurrock’s Tory candidate Jackie Doyle-Price and Thurrock Council.

Ms Doyle-Price, who’s hoping to be re-elected as Thurrock MP for a second term next week, has been pushing the government to reconsider option D, which would land in Canvey, after it was initially ruled it out last year.

Prime Minister David Cameron was coy when asked about where the crossing could go in March, but said all views would be considered.

Mr McLoughlin appears to think otherwise though. When asked if a new crossing would be in Canvey, he said: “It’s not one of the options we’re looking at at the moment; there would have to be a number of things for us to look at first but we’re looking at options A and C.”

He added: “We want to look at how the new free flow system goes, but long term we all know that infrastructure investment is of vital importance, but I do realise that any scheme will come with controversy.

“No big pieces of infrastructure are ever controversy free.”

Ms Doyle-Price said she still maintains that option D is the best option available, along with the council.

She said: “We are adamant that Thurrock's road network cannot cope with what is proposed by option A and option C.

“It is encouraging that the Secretary of State recognises that free flow is a game changer. He also recognises the contribution that new crossings in London will make.

“The department have not yet answered the points I have made about the impact on the resilience of the M25 and A13 so I will continue to demand option D and reject options A and C.”