More than 15,000 people have so far had their say on proposals for a major new road link between Kent and Essex.

The Lower Thames Crossing, which is set to be constructed by 2027, is expected to double road capacity across the Thames and halve northbound journey times at the Dartford Crossing.

The consultation, which has reached its halfway mark, includes 60 events open to those wishing to be included in the planning of the crossing.

Over 10,000 people have attended 28 of these events to date.

These events have been in addition to the online consultation, which has had more than 15,000 replies.

The current ten-week consultation on the latest designs for the crossing lasts until December 20.

The proposed improvements for the the crossing include making the the whole route a three-lane dual carriageway, constructing a service station to the west of East Tilbury, redesigning Tilbury junction and an improved junction with the A2.

The 14.5 mile route connecting Gravesham in Kent and Thurrock in Essex is expected to reduce traffic at Dartford by 22 per cent with 14 million fewer vehicles using it every year.

Development director for the Lower Thames Crossing, David Manning said: "The Lower Thames Crossing is the most ambitious project of its kind ever in the UK and the biggest single road upgrade since the M25 was completed more than 30 years ago.

"It would almost double road capacity across the Thames cutting congestion, easing pressure at the Dartford Crossing and boosting the resilience of the whole road network.

"This consultation is an important opportunity for people to share their views on our proposals and I urge anyone who has an interest to have their say."

Measures have also been included to try reduce the impact the new road will have on local communities. These include lowering the road by six metres to reduce its visual impact and moving the road 80 metres further east where it passes Chadwell to increase the distance from residential properties.

Anyone looking to have their say too can do so here.