A CONSULTATION period has begun into increasing the tolls on the Dartford Crossing.

The Department for Transport announced its plans yesterday (June 30) and people have until September 23 to have their say via a questionnaire on its website.

Car drivers will see a rise from £1.50 to £2 by the end of the year, with a further rise of 50p to come into force in 2012.

Meanwhile, lorries will see a rise from £3.70 to £5 by the end of the year, which will increase to £6 in 2012. Motorcyclists will remain free and the local resident discount scheme will not be affected.

The department has cited several reasons for increasing the tolls, including that it will help relieve congestion as it will dissuade commuters from using the crossing.

It also says rounding prices enables payment to be made more easily, therefore securing a greater improvement in travel time.

Speaking in response to the proposed increased charges, Kent County Council leader Paul Carter said: “Clearly, it is never good news when prices go up, but we welcome that the government has made a commitment to look at the longer term capacity of the crossing.

“Their statistics show the crossing was at over capacity for more that two thirds of the year.”

Mr Carter is calling for a new crossing between the east of Gravesend and the east of Tilbury to further relieve congestion.

He added: “The benefits of this lower Thames crossing would not only help alleviate severe congestion and provide network resilience, but will help boost business and employment prospects by eight times more than at any other location."

Suspending the tolls

Tomorrow (July 2), the Highways Agency will launch a six-month trial period to suspend the toll booths when traffic levels peak in order to allow a freer flow of traffic.

This means the toll barriers will be lifted in emergencies and commuters will not have to pay.

Do you use the Dartford Crossing? Call the newsroom on 01689 88 5702.