DARTFORD residents will get a discount at the crossing, it has been confirmed.

MP for the borough, Dr Howard Stoate has welcomed the publication of a written statement by Transport Minister Rosie Winterton confirming the government's intention to set up a local discount scheme for use at the Dartford Crossing.

Dartford residents will be eligible for a discount at the tolls, subject to a £10 fee each year upfront.

However the announcement is likely to anger residents in neighbouring areas such as Swanley and Gravesham who will not be entitled to any reduction.

Dr Stoate said: “I’m pleased that the Minister has confirmed the Government’s intention to set up a discount scheme for Dartford residents. It will provide a major saving for local residents who use the crossing and will go some way to making up for the congestion and pollution generated by the crossing that we have to put up with on a daily basis.”

Eligible residents living in Dartford will be asked to pay a fee of £10 each year upfront for an electronic tag which will give them 50 crossings a year - working out at 20p a crossing.

Anyone requiring additional trips will be asked to top up the tag's credit level at the rate of 20p per journey.

Householders will be able to apply for a tag for every vehicle registered at their address. But the scheme will only cover private cars and will not be extended to commercial vehicles, vans or lorries.

It is not yet clear when the discount will be introduced.