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A Government consultation could soon pave the way for an increase to the cost of using Dartford Crossing. To soften the toll rise, local car owners in Dartford and Thurrock would be given fifty free journeys a year and a 90% reduction on any further trips.

Meanwhile residents in neighbouring Bexley could soon face paying 拢1.50 for every return journey on their local bridge 鈥� an increase of 50 pence.

He suggests that poor transport links, makes residents in certain parts of the Borough 鈥渕ore reliant on cars鈥� than other parts of the capital. Currently there are no Underground or DLR stations in Bexley - and as yet no Crossrail extension.

The Transport Secretary, Dr. Stephen Ladyman has advised motorists to use the 鈥楧artTag鈥� system, whereby tolls are deducted electronically. Drivers who place the 鈥榯ag鈥� in their windscreen would be able to drive quickly through toll barriers and be charged a discounted rate of 拢1.

Under the proposals being considered in the consultation, HGV鈥檚 and other business vehicles would also be encouraged to use the crossing at non-peak hours. All tolls would be waived between the hours of 10pm to 6am, offering an incentive to commercial traffic.

QEII Bridge

'Concession agreement'

The QEII Bridge was built 鈥渦nder a concession agreement鈥� allowing for tolls to be collected to cover construction costs. In March 2003 the initial costs were met, but the Government decided to extend the toll scheme until the present day.

The Department for Transport said the reason for continuing to charge motorists was to 鈥渕anage the high demand for use of the crossings.鈥�

A spokesperson said they鈥檝e been 鈥渞eviewing the current charging regime in light of current traffic levels, likely future demand and broader transport policy considerations.鈥�

The consultation period ends in May 2008, with changes to the current system expected later in the summer.

YOUR VIEWS

I think that charges should be made using a different system or abolished completely. The long delays every day on the M25 between junctions 4 and the toll should be addressed. The delays mean more pollution and wasted time.

- Stella, Orpington