News

Concerns have been raised over the infrastructure demands of the £1.5bn London Gateway container port development in Thurrock, Essex. After a £400m contract was signed last week by DP World to begin construction of the new London Gateway port, which is due to be completed in the next 10 to 15 years, the industry has urged planners to account for the need for secure overnight parking.

Gordon Telling, head of policy for London and the South-East at the Freight Transport  Association (FTA), says that while it welcomes the construction of the London Gateway port, secure overnight parking provision has to be considered. "This is a priority for us. With London Gateway there is definitely going to be a need for significant capacity."

Alex Wilson, transport manager at Tilbury, Thurrock-based Freight Management, says construction of the port would increase business but believes planning authorities should "look at the need for secure overnight parking". Wilson adds that the A13 and M25 would struggle to cope with the increased container freight traffic.

The union Unite has written to Thurrock council urging it to provide adequate sites for HGV vehicles to park overnight. The council told drivers to find alternatives to the Globe Industrial Estate in Grays, Essex, following complaints from residents.

Edward Vokes, transportation  manager for Thurrock Council, says it wants lorry drivers to use the Titan Lorry Park and M25 motorway service area for parking, but Unite argues that the sites are often full and have to turn away drivers.

A meeting between the council, hauliers and the FTA is planned for 4 September.