Tolls at the Dartford Crossing are to rise up to a whopping £2.50 for a single journey.

Years after the Labour government went back on a promise to scrap the tolls on the QEII bridge after funding for the structure had been paid, the coalition government today announced fees were to rise up to £2.50 by 2012.

The announcement, part of the government's Spending Review, will affect motorists and freight haulage firms using the controversial crossing.

A statement from the Treasury said: "Subject to consultation, prices will increase from £1.50 to £2 in 2011, then to £2.50 in 2012.

"The department and the Highways Agency are developing options to improve the crossing for motorists including: exploring a new additional crossing; using free flow charging to improve efficiency; and removing charges to aid flow when congestion is most severe.

"The increased charges will be used to fund this work."

For more on the Spending Review, see our special report.