Govt announces Dartford charge increases

Date: 22/5/2012

Changes have been announced in a bid to ease congestion on the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing.

Road Minister Mike Penning has revealed cash charges for car users will be 50p higher from October 2012, while there will be proportionate increases for other vehicles.

Currently, it costs cars £1.50 to cross between 06:00 and 22:00, while the charge is £2 for two-axle goods vehicles and £3.70 for multi-axle vehicles. Motorcycles can travel for free and there is a discount scheme available for local residents.

The extra money generated from the increased charge will be used to pay for free-flow electronic charging.

It is hoped this will help to reduce journey times and ease traffic to improve driver experience.

Mr Penning said although the crossing is a "vital piece of transport infrastructure," it is currently unable to cope with the growing demands of drivers.

He added the government needs to "plan properly for the longer term."

Posted by Mary Treen