Crossing protesters call for toll-free trial (From News Shopper)
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Crossing protesters call for toll-free trial
10:56am Tuesday 29th April 2008 in Bexley
MP David Evennett with Bromley MP Bob Neill, Tory Dartford candidate Gary Johnson, Tory Thurrock candidate Jackie Doyle-Price, Gravesham MP Adam Holloway and Tunde Ojetola
BEXLEYHEATH and Crayford MP David Evennett was among MPs and Parliamentary hopefuls who gathered at the Dartford Crossing in a protest over tolls.
They are pressing the Government to experiment with a one week toll-free trial, as part of the ongoing consultations over charges at the crossing.
The Department for Transport has already suggested increasing the current tolls from £1 to £1.50 for cars and vans, with concessions for all residents in Dartford and Thurrock in Essex.
This has angered people in Bexley and Bexley Council, which has pointed out many people in the north of Bexley live nearer to the crossing than some Dartford residents and are just as reliant on the crossing as Dartford people.
The MPs say the trial should be part of the consultation process.
Mr Evennett said: "This simple exercise could prove whether or not tolls are an effective way of controlling congestion at the crossing."
He added he considered it unfair people living in his constituency were not included in the proposed discount scheme.
