Dartford Crossing toll could rise by 62% in two years
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ttristopher.wattonfarbi.co,uk THE DARTFORD Crossing toll for HGVs could rise by 35% in April and by 62% on current prices by April 2012, under proposals put forward by the Department for Transport {WU.
The toll for HGVs currently stands at £3.70. but the DfT will start a process of consultation on the details of the proposals by the end of this year, which call for the toll to rise to £5 next year and to £6 in just 16 months.
The price of a crossing for vans will rise from £2 to 12.50 in April 2011 and £3 in April 2012.
Transport minister Mike Penning defended the rise in a debate in Parliament last week saying that the £70m a year gross revenue that the tolls take "is an important part of the money available for the infrastructure and transport network for the whole country".
However, he said that the DtT is looking at introducing a system similar to number platc recognition technology used for the London Congestion Charge and it is his intention to use it to remove the barriers for both north and south crossings of the Thames.
Gordon Telling, head of urban logistics at the Freight Transport Association, says: "A near 60% hike in the Dartford Toll is pretty outrageous and could represent a real problem for businesses."
He adds:"We are constantly being told that a solution is imminent, but until we see hard evidence of real improvements being made to the toll booths or, even better, the construction of a Thames crossing to ease the strain, and reduec transport costs and emissions, this price hiku will remain cynical and exploitative."