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Motorists were encouraged to sound their horns as neighbouring political leaders met to protest the proposed Greater London boundary charge.
Dartford residents could face a £3.50 charge in two years' time to drive over the border into the borough of Bexley if plans put forward by London Mayor Sadiq Khan are given the green light.
The move has been described as "catastrophic" and "mad" by Dartford's MP Gareth Johnson and the local Conservatives who say it will hit low income households hardest and punish families, businesses and key public sector workers.
But the Mayor of London's office insists the charge is needed to overcome "the unprecedented financial challenges" Transport for London (TfL) – which also runs threatened bus services in Dartford – faces.
This weekend placard-waving Dartford Conservatives were joined by colleagues from Bexley to protest the charge at the boundary near Maiden Lane, dubbed "checkpoint Crayford".
Dartford's MP Gareth Johnson blasted the plans in Parliament and proposed a new law to halt the mayor's powers to impose such charges, claiming it would result in a "literal financial wall" between Kent and London.
"If this proposal goes ahead, any motorist would have to pay at least £3.50 seven days a week simply for moving from Kent into London," he said.
"It cannot be allowed to happen, we have got to do everything we can to stop this because this is Sadiq Khan at his worst.”
The charge is among the list of ideas put forward by the Mayoral incumbent and current candidate Sadiq Khan (Lab) to raise an estimated £500 million a year for cash-strapped TfL.
But there are fears it would unfairly target Dartford residents living close to the London Borough of Bexley who would have to fork out the fee just to do their weekly shop, travel into work and visit family and friends.
MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, Sir David Evennett was among those voicing his dissent at this weekend's protest.
“This proposal by the current Labour London Mayor is a disaster for people in our area of Bexley and Dartford," he said.
"Lots of people do not recognise a border, they come from Dartford into Crayford to do shopping, to socialise and for their employment. This charge is going to be really badly felt by so many people if it is brought in.”
Leader of Bexley Council Teresa O’Neill (Con) also hit out at the plans which she labelled "absolutely disgraceful".
“What Sadiq Khan does not understand is that this will hit people on low incomes," said Cllr O'Neill. "It will hit key workers coming to and from Bexley."
Leader of Dartford council Jeremy Kite also pointed out how Dartford residents living in places such as Wilmott Road and Maiden Lane would face a charge for simply driving down the street into Bexley.
The Tory Cllr said: “It is not a fair policy at all. It does not hit rich people, it hits ordinary working people in Dartford.
"The people who are going to school, people who are working, people who are visiting their family, and also, public service workers.
"It will cost £3.50 a day just to get to their job in London. We have got to win this and I am convinced that we can.”
The levy would be on top of the existing £15 congestion charge and £12.50 ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).
A petition against the plans, No to Labour’s Dartford Car Tax, was set up in February by Dartford's Conservatives and has amassed more than 25,000 signatures to date.
Last month the government confirmed it did not support the proposals during a Westminster Hall debate.
The plans have also drawn criticism from Dartford's local Labour party branch who said charging residents to enter London is not something they could support.
But the Mayor of London's office insists the charge is needed.
In a previous statement it said: "If the government does not agree, other ways of raising money to overcome the unprecedented financial challenges TfL faces as a result of Covid may be needed."
It says a Greater London Boundary Charge for non-residents could reduce congestion and emissions whilst encouraging more use of public transport, as well as provide funding for investment in London’s transport network.
The plans are currently subject to a feasibility study and would be subject to a full public consultation where non-Londoners would be able to have their say, the Mayor's Office says.
It claims some of the funds raised could be earmarked to support sustainable travel in boundary boroughs and help TfL fund bus enhancements and new walking and cycling improvements.
