When the first tunnel was built in 1969, the Government pledged to scrap the tolls once enough cash had been raised to cover construction and maintenance costs.
The crossings and bridge were finally paid for in 2003 but after a public consultation the Government decided to keep the tolls.
There are currently plans to increase the £1 toll charge to £1.50 from the autumn, though it is also proposed that motorists will be able to cross for free during the night.
The changes have not gone down well with anti-toll campaigners, who say the charges should be scrapped altogether.
He believes the removal of the toll would result in a free flow of traffic, less pollution and quicker journey times.
As well as the Government being urged to scrap the tolls, there have also been regular calls for residents of boroughs near to the crossing - such as Bexley and Dartford - to at the very least be given a discount.
What do you think? Should the Dartford Crossing tolls be abolished? What effect would it have on traffic? Are you in favour of the proposals to increase the day toll but allow free travel at night? Add your comments below.
11:09am Sunday 4th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: lesley, Sidcup on 6:44pm Sun 4 May 08
If the tolls were scrapped, it might relieve some of the Blackwall Tunnel congestion. The Dartford crossings are more able to take heavier traffic than the old, narrow Blackwall.
If the tolls were scrapped, it might relieve some of the Blackwall Tunnel congestion. The Dartford crossings are more able to take heavier traffic than the old, narrow Blackwall.
Posted by: ally, London on 8:49pm Sun 4 May 08
The only way to do something about the rip offs we as the public are suffering is to blockade the bridge or everyone never use it, i know this almost impossible for most of you who use it but one day something has to give, UP the revolution
The only way to do something about the rip offs we as the public are suffering is to blockade the bridge or everyone never use it, i know this almost impossible for most of you who use it but one day something has to give, UP the revolution
Posted by: pete, greenhithe on 10:39am Mon 5 May 08
when the crossing was given over to a french company to run, it didn't take a big brain to work out that they would want to increase profits, again its the pesants that suffer while the rich get richer
when the crossing was given over to a french company to run, it didn't take a big brain to work out that they would want to increase profits, again its the pesants that suffer while the rich get richer
Posted by: pete, greenhithe on 10:43am Mon 5 May 08
this is taken from the highways.gov website. Le Crossing Company Limited currently operates the crossing on behalf of the Highways Agency. Le Crossing took over from the Dartford River Crossing Limited whose concession ended on 31st March 2003 under the terms of Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988.
this is taken from the highways.gov website. Le Crossing Company Limited currently operates the crossing on behalf of the Highways Agency. Le Crossing took over from the Dartford River Crossing Limited whose concession ended on 31st March 2003 under the terms of Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988.
Posted by: William, London on 3:08pm Tue 6 May 08
Makes you laugh, the old froggies wouldn't get away with it over the Seine!!! The Parisians would go Le Barmy!!!!
Makes you laugh, the old froggies wouldn't get away with it over the Seine!!! The Parisians would go Le Barmy!!!!
Posted by: Dave Lenehan, Greenhithe on 3:25pm Tue 6 May 08
Just received a letter this morning informing me that the fee is to increase to £1.50 - however, Dartford residents will only be charged 20p (if they get a special discount tag).
Just received a letter this morning informing me that the fee is to increase to £1.50 - however, Dartford residents will only be charged 20p (if they get a special discount tag).
Posted by: paul goldham, Sussex on 12:52am Wed 18 Jun 08
Charging for the crossing is totally rediculous. All it achieves is revenue for the government, slows all traffic down and increases pollution It is nothing more than shear greed. A kid of five could see that the conjestion it causes is totally unacceptable. I have to use it, there is NO other choice.
Charging for the crossing is totally rediculous. All it achieves is revenue for the government, slows all traffic down and increases pollution It is nothing more than shear greed. A kid of five could see that the conjestion it causes is totally unacceptable. I have to use it, there is NO other choice.
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