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Crossing tolls 'bring in £44 million'

Traffic after the tolls returned to normal at the Dartford Crossing
Traffic after the tolls returned to normal at the Dartford Crossing

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.

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