DARTFORD MP Gareth Johnson has today slammed a decision to increase the tolls on the Dartford Crossing.

Mr Johnson says the tolls should be scrapped entirely, labelling congestion caused by the crossing a “blight on Dartford.”

It follows an announcement this morning (May 22) by the Department for Transport to increase the tolls by 50p from October 2012.

Cash charges for car users will increase from £1.50 to £2, from £2 to £2.50 for lorries and from £3.70 to £5.00 for heavy goods vehicles. The Crossing will remain free for motorcyclists,and discounts for local residents and drivers who pay in advance will continue.

Funding from the charge increase will help to pay for free-flow electronic charging in a bid to ease congestion.

Motorists will then see a second 50p increase in October 2014 when the free-flow charging is expected to be introduced.

Mr Johnson said: “The congestion caused by the Crossing is a real blight on Dartford.

“It holds back business investment, clogs up local roads and pollutes the atmosphere.

“I don’t believe that we should have to endure these increases and I maintain that the tolls should be scrapped in their entirety.

“I am though pleased that we will be removing the toll booths and I welcome the fact that the Government is tackling the congestion and pollution in the local area.

“Two years ago Gordon Brown announced that the crossing would be sold off which would have been a disaster for the local area so I am pleased that the Government has continued to reject this proposal.”