A ferry service of some description across this part of the Thames had operated for centuries.
Since 2000, it was supported financially by councils on both sides of the Thames, but Thurrock ended its subsidy after it became effectively bankrupt and required government support.
A Kent County Council spokesperson said: “Without joint funding from Thurrock, we are currently unable to support the service independently due to ongoing budget constraints.
“However, we remain committed to working with a range of partners to explore a sustainable, long-term solution for a replacement service, should funding become available.”
A Thurrock Council spokesperson added they were working on a “long-term sustainable funding model which will enable the ferry to be reintroduced”.
The government gave the green light to the UK’s largest road tunnel project earlier this year. Work on the the £10bn project that will see vehicles travel 2.6miles under the Thames is expected to begin next year. The motorway-style road is expected to open in 2032 linking the M25 in Essex with the M2 in Kent.
A spokesperson for the DfT said: “We have pledged £590m to take forward the Lower Thames Crossing which will help link up motorists and businesses in the midlands and north with key ports in the South East, delivering growth as part of our Plan for Change”.
