Dartford Crossing

 Congestion on the Dartford Crossing is one of the most serious issues affecting Dartford today.  Since becoming MP for Dartford, I have spent more time working on trying to tackle the problems with the Dartford Crossing than any other issue. I have presented a petition from local residents to the House of Commons and held numerous meetings with Transport Ministers to argue the case for freeing up the Crossing.

I have also held a debate on this issue in Westminster Hall which can be read at:  http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm101123/halltext/101123h0002.htm#10112319000681

The congestion is a real blight on Dartford. It holds back business investment, clogs up local roads and pollutes the atmosphere. I believe that the tool booths should be removed and I am pleased that the Government agrees.  The Department of Transport has commenced work on assessing how modern technology can replace the toll booths. Removing them would alleviate both the congestion and the pollution and help to ensure that the Crossing is a positive thing for Dartford and no longer a negative thing.

I am pleased that in November 2011 the Department for Transport announced that it would not increase the cost of tolls at the Crossing in either November 2011 or in April 2012 as suggested in a recent public consultation.  However I would like to see the tolls scrapped for good- the Crossing could be a positive thing for Dartford, instead it is Dartford’s nemesis.  This Government has overturned Gordon Brown’s commitment to sell the Crossing and we must continue to sort out its problems.

If you are a Dartford constituent and wish for me to raise concerns in relation to the Crossing with the Department for Transport please email them to me at [email protected].