CAR drivers may have to pay an extra 50 per cent to cross the Dartford Crossing, it has been revealed.

Transport Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman has announced plans to push up the charge for cars from £1 to £1.50 and from £2.90 to £4 for lorries.

Dr Ladyman said: "The crossing struggles to cope with the volume of traffic much of the time, leading to long queues. As traffic increases the queues will get worse, so we need to act."

The charge would be for occasional users but regular users would get a discount under the electronic Dart Tag payment system, keeping the cost at £1 for cars and £3.20 for lorries.

The new scheme would mean charges only apply from 6am-10pm, with free passage for the remaining eight hours.

A consultation is to be launched in December and there will also be a study looking at capacity over the Thames east of London.

FULL REPORT IN NEXT WEEK'S DARTFORD MESSENGER