The 'eye-watering' amount of money that the Dartford Crossing has made since 2003 has been revealed in Parliament.

During her questions to Transport Minister Jesse Norman, Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce found out that since 2003 - the year in which building costs for the bridge and tunnels were cleared - the Government has received £669 million income from motorists.

When questioned further, Mr Norman couldn't explain how much of that income was spent on roads near to the crossing to alleviate congestion and pollution affecting residents.

Instead, he said that congestion 'would be worse' without the charge.

MP Teresa Pearce said: "I am astonished at the amount of net income the Government receives from the Dartford Crossing, especially considering that the costs of building the bridge and tunnels were cleared 16 years ago.

"The Department for Transport is allowed to keep all this income to spend on any transport projects it wishes.

"This is totally unfair on my constituents and other local residents..." - MP Teresa Pearce

“I am equally disappointed that the Transport Minister was not able to say what percentage, if any, of that huge income has been spent on transport improvements for Dartford and Bexley residents who are most affected by the congestion and pollution.

"He claims that the charges are in place to deter some vehicles using the crossing and therefore has a positive effect on congestion and pollution. I am not sure local people would agree.

“This is totally unfair on my constituents and other local residents and I will be raising further questions”