Dartford Crossing toll increases delayed

Date: 28/11/2011

Proposals to increase the toll charges on the Dartford Crossing have been delayed.

Heavy goods vehicles currently pay £3.70 if they wish to use the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing and plans were to be introduced that would see this rise to £5.

The charge would then go up even further to £6 in spring 2012, although Transport Minister Mike Penning has revealed this scheme has now been deferred.

This is due to a huge number of responses to the government's consultation on the matter.

Malcolm Bingham, Head of Road Network Management at the Freight Transport Association (FTA), welcomed the news, as it will reduce the pressure put on some commercial vehicle operators.

He noted many FTA members consider the Dartford Crossing to be the most expensive congestion pinch point.

Mr Bingham added: "The average cost of an HGV stuck in traffic for an hour is around £50."

The crossing is one of the most heavily used passageways of its kind in Europe and links Dartford and Thurrock with the M25.

Posted by Mary Treen