ROCHFORD and Southend East MP James Duddridge has come out against his own Government in arguing that Route 4 for the Thames crossing is the most “sensible” one.

The Tory is the third south Essex MP to come out in opposition to Highways England’s preferred Route Three option for the new crossing, which will link up Kent with Essex and take the strain off the Dartford Crossing.

He joins fellow Conservative Jackie Doyle-Price, Thurrock’s MP, in lobbying for the fourth route, which would run up all the way to the A127, which would be widened, and connect up with Junction 29 of the M25.

Route Three would join up with the M25 via Orsett and South Ockenden, which Brentwood and Essex County Councils support.

Mr Duddridge, who has submitted a formal response to the consultation on the crossing, which closes today (March 24), said: “I believe that Route 4 is the most sensible option. It connects with the A127 which would be widened and then join the M25 Junction 29.

“This route bypasses existing residential communities and is the closest route for the residents ‘at the end of the line’ in my constituency as well as the added benefit that this opens up access to the A130.

“This option addresses the need to provide an alternative connection between Essex and Kent as well as providing positive outcomes in terms of the wider economic value and unlocking new opportunities for local communities.”

Conservative Stephen Metcalfe, who is MP for East Thurrock and South Basildon, does not want a crossing in Thurrock at all.

In his letter to Highways England, Mr Duddridge, said that 50 million vehicles use the Dartford Crossing, or 141,000 a day, and many of his constituents moan to him about the regular delays on the crossing which links up Kent to Essex.