DISCOUNTS are to be introduced at the Dartford Crossing - but not for Gravesham residents.

The government has confirmed it intends to introduce a discount scheme, as set out in its consultation, which ended last month.

However the new discount will only be offered to neighbouring Dartford residents.

Gravesham MP Adam Holloway had been campaigning for the proposed discount to be extended to Gravesham drivers.

But instead of the discount, Gravesham's motorists are set to be charged a new crossing charge of £1.50 if government plans to raise the crossing charge for all other motorists also goes ahead.

Eligible residents living in Dartford will be asked to pay a fee of £10 each year upfront for an electronic tag which will give them 50 crossings a year - working out at 20p a crossing.

Anyone requiring additional trips will be asked to top up the tag's credit level at the rate of 20p per journey.

Householders will be able to apply for a tag for every vehicle registered at their address. But the scheme will only cover private cars and will not be extended to commercial vehicles, vans or lorries.

It is not yet clear when the discount will be introduced.