Scrap Dartford Crossing Toll

Despite calls to scrap the Dartford Crossing Toll and allow vehicles to move freely across the river, the Government increased the standard charge from £1.00 to £1.50.

This petition supports the 9,423 signatories on a similar petition to the No.10 website.

The charge was introduced in 1963 and was designed to pay for the construction costs of the tunnels and latterly the bridge. These costs were finally paid off in 2002 and the legal authority to charge a toll expired in April 2003. However, the Government decided to continue the toll under the guise of a congestion charge. This petition calls for the toll to be scrapped, as soon as is practicable, on the following grounds:

a) The congestion, which can stretch for many miles on either side of the crossing, is largely due to the effect of the tollbooths themselves.

b) The exhaust fumes generated by thousands of cars waiting in line causes unnecessary environmental damage.

c) The delays add unnecessary expense to business and transport costs.