TAKING the tolls away from the Dartford Crossing was one of the options discussed during a debate in the House of Commons.

The idea was debated in the discussion which took place after an MP called for the Government to rethink the recent price increase.

Car or light van drivers used to pay £1 to use the bridge or tunnels 24 hours a day.

It was increased on November 15 to £1.50 at busy times and is free between 10pm and 6am.

Dartford residents get 50 free crossings per year after paying a £10 annual administration fee and additional journeys cost 20p each.

People living in the district of Thurrock also benefit from the discount after paying the £10 admin fee.

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire called for the debate on December 17 because he wants the 50 per cent hike scrapped.

Speaking during the debate Gravesham MP Adam Holloway said: “The tax money will have come from somewhere if the toll is taken away.

“Obviously I would like that to happen, but my main concern is the crazy operations management.

“Why should people from Gravesham or any of the other constituencies represented in the debate have to spend minutes, or large proportions of an hour, waiting?

“I would say that in the three years that I have been the Member for Gravesham, I have spent at least 20 hours waiting to cross that bridge.

“Why cannot we have the toll booths on just one side, or something?”