QUEUES at the Dartford Crossing are costing local businesses thousands of pounds each year, according to the Freight Transport Association.

The group has said the Government's discount scheme for Dartford residents at the tolls "smacks of political expediency" and will do nothing to alleviate congestion which costs firms on average £30 per hour per HGV.

The FTA, which is dismayed charges for local businesses at the tolls are going up, said lorries have no choice but to use the crossing and has called for them to be scrapped completely.