Those campaigning against plans to construct a Lower Thames Crossing have written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, saying that there has been a “gross misrepresentation” of objections to the plans put forward by the Government-run Highways England organisation.

Last month, Mr Grayling gave the go-ahead to plans for a £4.4 billion tunnel east of Gravesend, linking motorways in Kent and Essex.

Highways England said that “the route will carry 78,500 vehicles each day in its opening year and will reduce traffic at the Dartford Crossing by 14%”.

The scheme is said to be opposed by many local residents, concerned about damage to the countryside and rising traffic levels.

The Lower Thames Crossing Association said that Ipsos MORI, which collated the responses for Highways England, did not show “the true level of opposition to the plans”.

Chairman Bob Lane said: “Ipsos MORI and Highways England discounted the opinions of over 13,000 people across north Kent and south Essex who opposed the scheme.

“How can the Government be expected to make an informed decision when the information it is given is so badly flawed?”

Mr Lane said this could have misled ministers when making their decision about the crossing. The association has called on the Transport Secretary to investigate the report by Highways England.

A Highways England spokesman said: “The announcement of the preferred route follows an exhaustive review of options and extensive analysis of more than 47,000 responses to our 2016 public consultation.

“Of the 47,034 responses received, 13,284 were identified as being associated with an organised campaign, with identically worded responses.”