AN MP is calling for a review of the tolling arrangements at the Darford Crossing, after a survey revealed the numbers of vehicles using it are the lowest for 10 years.

Figures published by the Highways Agency show numbers have fallen 1.5 million in the last year alone.

In the year to March 2009, 51.6 million vehicles crossed the Thames at Dartford compared with 53.2 million in the previous year.

Now James Brokenshire, currently MP for Hornchurch in Essex, who is standing in Old Bexley and Sidcup at the next election, has written to Transport Minister Lord Adonis.

He has asked what the impact the recent power cut, which forced the tolls to be dropped for several hours, had on traffic flows, and is asking for a rethink on the current arrangements.

The Government says the tolls are needed to manage congestion, but despite the fall in traffic, Mr Brokenshire says delays at the crossing are as bad as ever.

He claims a Government-commissioned study, published earlier this year, said the tolls layout was the primary problem.