EDITORIAL
Page 4
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THE FREIGHT Transport THE FREIGHT Transport Association must be applauded for its endeavours to have bridge and tunnel tolls abolished. It must pursue its course vigorously and we lend our support.
It is argued that We oversimplify the case by claiming that these river crossings are no more than an extension of the road network. Those who disagree throw figures at us, claiming that construction and maintenance costs have to be met. So why are motorways different?
The ace card in the Department of Transport's hand is the saving which it claims operators gain in time and fuel by using the crossings. Those using the Dartford Tunnel give that argument the horse laugh.
Now that the M25 is in greater use, the Kent to Essex crossing is a huge bottleneck. In the morning it is not uncommon for traffic to move at snail's pace for three miles to the north bore. The south bore is similarly affected at night.
Last week there was a seven and a half mile queue 'travelling' south from 4prn one evening. That takes time, fuel, and tolls.
Before drivers take alternative free routes and cause environmental problems this traffic thrombosis must be tackled. One way to help would be to knock down the toll booths and start immediately on a third bore.
One question puzzles us and the thousands of Dartford Tunnel snails. Were the engineers who designed the tunnel not talking to those who designed the M25? Perhaps they should go, too, if they haven't already done so.