by political editor Paul Francis

A senior cabinet minister today defended plans to increase the charges on the Dartford Crossing - saying it's a good compromise.

In comments likely to anger many regular users of the bridge and tunnel, environment secretary Chris Huhne says the price rise - representing a 66 per cent increase - will help pay for essential infrastructure.

The government has provoked outrage by announcing fees to use the crossing will rise to £2.50 each way by 2012.

Mr Huhne said: "These decisions are not easy ones but if we want to protect the investment that is really key in basic infrastructure [that is] essential for our future prosperity, whether it on roads or rail, the money has to come from somewhere."

He added: "Of all the available options, charging a little bit more for existing infrastructure is, I think, a good compromise.

"What are the alternatives? Is the money going to come from higher taxes?

"Lower spending elsewhere? We have to make a package which delivers long-term prosperity."

More than 50m motorists use the crossing each year. Tolls were initially introduced to pay off the construction costs but that was done in 2003.

The latest increase has drawn widespread condemnation, with KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter describing it as another hammer blow for the motorist.

AA president Edmund King said: "The hike in tolls is an act of highway robbery as these tolls should have been dropped – not doubled in two years."