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Take a look at the toll-free crossing earlier this afternoon.

Charges have been reinstated at the Dartford Crossing
following a power cut which left large parts of Dartford in
darkness.

The barriers at the tolls came up at 10.30am after power
shortages overnight left several booths inoperable.

The tolls were out of action for several hours into the late afternoon.

A Highways Agency Spokesman said: "The
Highways Agency has resumed the collection of charges at the
Dartford - Thurrock River Crossing using an alternative power
supply."

EDF Energy engineers have
worked since yesterday to restore power to thousands of
Kent homes.

But tens of thousands of homes are
still without a supply.

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It follows a fire which caused
serious damage to high voltage electricity cables in the Dartford
area at lunchtime yesterday.

This led to a loss of
electricity supplies to 100,000 customers at its peak -
stretching across the Dartford, Crayford, Bexleyheath, Erith,
and Orpington areas.

Four major electricity circuits have
been badly damaged, as well as a cable bridge over Dartford
Creek.

Now police are investigating the
possibility the fire was started by unauthorised personnel
interfering with the cables.

Power is now being temporarily
restored - on a rota basis!

A spokesman said: "We aim to supply
areas including parts of Crayford, Bexleyheath and Erith in this
way.

James Barber of EDF
speaks to kmfm's Susan Hilder about the power cuts

"Unfortunately the alternative supply
is not capable of providing sufficient power to all our customers
at the same time, nor will we be able to provide power to all
affected areas in this way."

The spokesman said power had now been
restored to a third of customers, with rota connections
providing temporary supplies to more customers.

A full service is not expected
before tomorrow, but EDF has apologised for the problems.

For information on rota connections
and on the latest estimates for restoration of supplies, contact
EDF's emergency contact centre on 0800 028 0247.

On behalf of the police, Chief Inspector Peter
Ayling said an investigation had been launched into the cause of
the fire.

He said: “We are working closely with Kent
Fire and Rescue Service fire investigators and other partners to
minimise the risk and disruption to the community.

“However, extensive fire damage has been
caused to a cable tower which in turn has impacted heavily on both
local businesses and residents."

Andrew Parkinson, general manager at
Bluewater, said: "Despite power cuts in the local area, Bluewater
has not been affected and has seen a very busy day with many guests
bringing their families down to enjoy lunch outside.

"Guests have also been taking advantage of
using the new Blue Lagoon and Summer Park, packed with new
activities for all the family including trail explorers cycle and
kart hire, a carousel, childrens play area and a new beach
installed just for the summer".