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Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin was in Kent today (26 January 2015) to visit 2 transport projects that demonstrate the improvements the government is making to rail and road travel.

In Rochester he saw how a new train station is taking shape to provide a more central terminus for passengers and visitors to the historic town, breathing new life into the riverside area. 皇冠体育app longer platforms will also mean that 12-car trains will be able to serve the town giving passengers more seats.

Visiting the station today, Patrick McLoughlin said:

We are investing record amounts to build a world-class railway. Better transport is all part of delivering the government鈥檚 long term economic plan.

Rochester鈥檚 new station will be a big improvement for this historic town. It will benefit commuters and visitors thanks to longer trains and more seats for passengers.

As well as giving passengers a better service, this investment will help the local economy by improving access to jobs.

皇冠体育app new 拢26 million Rochester station is being built as part of a Network Rail scheme to replace and improve signalling on the railway lines from Longfield to Sittingbourne, Strood to Beltring and the Sheerness to Sittingbourne branch. 皇冠体育app station will open in December.

皇冠体育app Transport Secretary also visited the Dartford Crossing to see the new payment system in action at the crossing. Dart Charge was introduced last November.

皇冠体育app Dart Charge allows drivers to use the crossing without having to pay the charge at a barrier. Instead drivers can pay online, by phone or by post 鈥� speeding up journey times by up to 10 minutes in peak hours.

Mr McLoughlin was shown the new road layout currently under construction that will also improve journey times at the crossing. 皇冠体育app new layout is due to be completed in Spring this year.

Patrick McLoughlin said:

Good transport links are absolutely vital to the government鈥檚 long term plan to boost economic growth in Britain.

皇冠体育app Dartford Crossing is an important part of the country鈥檚 strategic road network and we need to do all we can to make journeys as smooth as possible.

Early results suggest the introduction of the Dart Charge has cut journey times by nearly 10 minutes southbound and more than 4 minutes northbound in peak hours 鈥� and there are more improvements to come.

I am looking forward to seeing the plans develop further.