by Dan Bloom

Tolls at the Dartford crossing are netting the government a staggering £44 million a year, Medway Council's leader has claimed.

Cllr Rodney Chambers (Con) said he unearthed the figure - which excludes all costs - from government sources this week.

He told cabinet members the government's income would rise to an estimated £85 million, if the bid to raise the toll from £1.50 to £2.50 toll for cars is successful.

He said: "That is based on some information that I have been given at this present time.

"To me it is nothing more than tax-gathering for which there seems to be no other purpose.

"In the present economic climate should we really be putting extra taxes onto hard-pressed businesses? The answer should be 'no'."

Several councillors voiced their dismay in response to the government's plans, but Cllr Tom Mason (Con) said: "We're only consultees. I expect our replies will probably be binned."

Sign the petition against the proposed £1 toll increase at http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/axethetax

The meeting came as the Messenger's Fight The Hike campaign gathers pace.

More than 1,200 people have signed our online petition, with others voting by text.

Councillors approved a report opposing all plans to raise the tolls.

It also proposed ring-fencing income to build a second crossing, opening toll gates if queues reach three miles long - instead of the proposed 10 miles - and upgrading technology.

Cllr Jane Chitty (Con) said: "I was old enough to believe the mantra that tolls would be removed once the crossing was paid for. What a naive little soul I was."

People can air their views about the toll rises at a meeting on Friday.

Organised by Dartford MP Gareth Johnson, and supported by the Messenger, it takes place at the Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford Grammar School, Shepherds Lane, Dartford at 5pm.