FTA 'disappointed' with Dartford toll announcement

Date: 23/5/2012

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) said it is "disappointed" with the decision to increase the Dartford Crossing toll.

It claimed the changes will cause problems for the freight industry, as many operators use the crossing on a regular basis.

"Goods vehicles do not have the flexibility that many motorists have to alter journey times and/or routes and more often than not freight journeys cannot be made in another way," the organisation stated.

However, Head of Road Network Management Policy at the FTA Malcolm Bingham welcomed the government's decision to use the extra money made from the increased charges to introduce free flow tolling.

This will help to reduce queues and lower the administrative cost of dealing with tolls on the crossing.

The Dartford Crossing is one of the most heavily used crossings of its kind in Europe and forms an important link with the M25. It spans the River Thames between Dartford and Thurrock.

Posted by Mary Treen