House of Commons debate on congestion at the Dartford Crossing

Last week I secured a debate in the House of Commons on congestion at the Dartford Crossing.  Many of my colleagues from north Kent and Essex were in attendance with the Roads Minister answering questions. Unfortunately no Member of the opposition was able to attend. A member of the Government is required torespond to these debates which are reported in Hansard and provide an opportunity for important local issues to be debated in Parliament.

Mike Penning, the Roads Minister, is a former Essex fireman who attended many accidents on the Essex side so, on being appointed Minister, was convinced that he needed to do something about the congestion. I am happy to say that he has kept to his word.  Since being elected he has proposed introducing smart technology number plate recognition to collect tolls, leading to the removal of the barriers in 2012. I believe that the tolls should be scrapped in their entirety so I do not welcome the decision to raise the toll charges to pay for these measures. This is something I told him during the debate.

The removal of the booths should though ensure that the levels of congestion at the crossing are no worse than anywhere else on the M25. This will also tackle the huge pollution problems that emanate from the toll booths. This measure actually requires substantial infrastructure changes on the Dartford side of the Crossing but it represents the most significant improvement we have seen since it was opened.

Contact:  House of Commons, London SW1A OAA, [email protected], 020 7219 7047 or www.garethjohnsonmp.co.uk