The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent (Amendment) Order 2025

The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025 is amended as follows.

In paragraph 26(4) (amendments to be made to the Code of Construction Practice and the REAC) of Part 3 (amendments to be made to the control documents) of Schedule 2, in the first row (REAC ref no. “HR013”) of Table 2, for the text in the fifth column (commitment) substitute—

“Appropriate technology and infrastructure would be employed to enable, if required, the enforcement authority to enforce a 60mph speed limit in a westbound direction between junctions 26 and 27 of the M25 to ensure that there is no Adverse Effect on Integrity (“AEoI”) on Epping Forest SAC as a consequence of traffic emissions leading to increases in nitrogen deposition, NOx and/or NH3. Reasonable and appropriate funding would be provided to the highway and enforcement authority to set a 60mph limit and to undertake enforcement activities. Monitoring should commence no later than 6 months after commencement of construction of the A122 Lower Thames Crossing and remain in place for a minimum period of 4 years following commencement of operation to monitor levels of NOx, NO2 and NH3 (which can be used to determine the vehicle emission related nitrogen deposition) compared to pre-operational values. Annual reporting should be undertaken and include a review of relevant evidence, such as monitoring, traffic data and regional pollution in consultation with Natural England. The 60pmh speed limit measures are to be put in place from the commencement of operation. The Secretary of State may determine, upon receipt of a written request from National Highways that has been informed and agreed through consultation with Natural England, that such measures no longer remain required at or after the point of commencement of operation to prevent an AEoI (on the basis of pre-operation monitoring and any additional assessment undertaken by National Highways). If the outcome from monitoring and updated modelling shows relevant increases in nitrogen deposition, and/or NOx and/or NH3 which would lead to an AEoI then that speed limit control and enforcement must be in place, unless otherwise agreed with Natural England.”.