THE Prime Minister has dismissed a plea by a south Essex MP to halt plans for a new Thames crossing until existing problems at Dartford are fixed.

Stephen Metcalfe, Tory MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, called on David Cameron to meet with him to discuss the crossing.

But Mr Cameron insists it is necessary to press ahead to identify a new crossing location once a public consultation closes next Thursday.

Highways bosses want to build a tunnel linking Tilbury and Gravesend, referred to in the consultation as option C.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions today, Mr Metcalfe said: “Highways England are consulting on a new Lower Thames Crossing, with the preferred option C, which will divert 14 per cent of traffic from the existing Dartford Crossing.

“Before spending billions on a new crossing, we should actually sort out the problems at the existing crossing, helping a greater number of motorists, improving illegal levels of poor air quality and improving the resilience of the M25 network.”

A second option included in the consultation, which is not preferred by Highways England, would see a new crossing built next to the existing one at Dartford.

In response to Mr Metcalfe, the Prime Minister said: “My honorable friend makes an important point.

“We need to tackle congestion and air quality, and stationary traffic is more polluting than moving traffic.

“Sorting out problems at the existing crossing is important, but I do believe we have also got to look at options for the new crossing.

“Highways England have looked at options for the new crossing and the details for both locations, and we look forward to seeing what they recommend.

“I hope when they do, we can make progress. These are a vital set of arteries for our country’s economy and we need the traffic to be flowing smoothly.”

Essex County Council issued its response to the consultation this week, backing a tunnel at Tilbury and a new road linking with the M25 at North Ockendon, going through Orsett.

But a public demonstration in Grays High Street on Sunday, opposing the new crossing, attracted hundreds of protesters.

Jackie Doyle-Price, Tory MP for Thurrock, who has previously urged opponents of the scheme to be “realistic”, took to social media after Mr Cameron’s comments to back the new crossing.

She said: “300+ closures at Dartford Crossing each year cause poor air quality. This will worsen without resilience afforded by new crossing. Time to get real.”