Gareth Johnson MP response to Department for Transport announcement on the Dartford Crossing

Gareth Johnson MP for Dartford has today criticised the announcement that from October 2012, cash charges for car users of the Crossing will increase by 50 pence, with proportionate increases for other vehicles.

 

The Crossing will remain free for motorcyclists, and discounts for local residents and drivers who pay in advance will continue.  A second 50 pence increase will also take place at the same time as the implementation of new, free-flow charging technology at the Crossing, currently scheduled for October 2014.

 

Gareth 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.”  

 

ENDS

For further information please contact Gareth Johnson on 0207 219 7047 or at [email protected]