Our campaign to stop controversial increases to the Dartford crossing toll has been successful - for now.

Transport minister Mike Penning abandoned the initial 50p rise today following opposition from the Medway Messenger and its sister papers in Dartford and Gravesend, local MPs and council leaders.

A written statement released by Mr Penning today said: "On June 30 The Department for Transport launched a consultation on proposals to change the charging regime at the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing.

"The consultation closed on September 23.

"The consulation made reference to increasing the charges during November 2011 and again in April 2012.

Audio: Richard Dodd of the British Retail Consortium

The retail sector was particularly concerned about the pre-Christmas increase and its lobbying, including a letter from the John Lewis group and protests from the British Retail Consortium, are thought to have been instrumental in swaying ministers.

The fact that two of the UK's biggest shopping centres - Bluewater and Lakeside - lie on either side of the crossing was believed to have been a powerful argument in delaying the plans.

Kent County Council leader Paul Carter welcomed the tolls being scrapped, but said it was vital to introduce free flow tolling as soon as possible.

He added: "It is also important that the Department for Transport continues to look at delivering additional crossing capacity of the Thames and makes a firmer commitment to when this will happen.

"Congestion at the Dartford Crossing and its approaches costs the UK economy some £40m a year.

"Additional capacity will create employment, stimulate economic recovery, improve journey time reliability and increase network resilience. When tolls go up that money must be earmarked for an additional crossing."

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed today's announcement.

Roger House, Chairman of FSB in Kent and Medway said: "This announcement by the Roads Minister vindicates the long campaign by the FSB against the Dartford Crossing charges, which already makes the Government some £40 million each year and adds to the congestion for crossing users.

"We welcome the decision, as it will mean businesses will not now face higher costs to use the Dartford Crossing.

"What would be ideal is for the tolls to be axed to further promote economic growth in Essex and Kent."

He said the argument that tolls reduce congestion was a flawed one.

A recent survey revealed 86% of FSB respondents disagreed with the increase, with more than half of those who replied said it was due to the fact the crossing costs had already been recovered.

The bridge was paid off in 2003.