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Pledge to remove Dartford tolls rescinded
Page 6
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• The government has explained why it has broken its promise to stop charging tolls at the Dartford Crossing—it claims they are necessary to cut congestion on the M25.
The collection of tolls was due to end in March 2003 as the tunnel and the more recent bridge have now been paid for. But the Department of Transport has decided that a free crossing would lead to a huge growth in congestion.
A spokesman says: "When the undertaking was made that tolls would cease the huge growth of traffic that has taken place at the crossing was not foreseen. To cease charging at the crossing would lead to faster traffic growth, increasing the congestion problem at the crossing. Therefore it would, at this time, be imprudent to remove charges."
Various groups have campaigned for the tolls to be abolished in line with the legislation that first introduced them. Many of them, including the Freight Transport Association, argue that 1 is the toll booths that cause the congestion in the first place.
"The congestion argument is illogical," says a spokesman. "By their very nature trucks do not make unnecessary journeys and therefore should cross toll-free."
Tolls bring in £50m a year. and so far £2m has been promised to Kent County Council and Thurrock District Council "to spend on local public transport". It is unclear where the rest of the money will go.
• A two-tier charging system will come into force on 1 April 2003. Trucks will continue to pay £2.110 during the day but only £1 between 22:00-06:00hrs. The DART prepayment system will not be affected.