Toll plan for port

The charge would fall heaviest on freight using the port

Plans to implement a toll for drivers using roads leading to the port of Dover are being put forward.

The newly elected Conservative council in the town is considering enforcing a charge so Dover can benefit from increased levels of traffic which will visit the port.

It plans to plough the money from the toll back into improving Dover for the people who live there.

The idea for the charge was put forward at an annual meeting of the Dover Harbour Board and council officials.

Opening talks

Plans are in the very early stages but under the proposed scheme the charge would fall heaviest on freight.

Among the improvements planned from the extra income would be to upgrade roads and town centre facilities as well as promoting Dover as a tourist destination.

Councillor Paul Watkins, leader of the council, said: "The projections are there will be a 100% increase in port related traffic over the next 10 years.

"The harbour board is looking at solutions for its activities but no-one is actually looking at solutions for the local people who are putting up with pollution from the traffic particularly freight and also sulphur dioxide from the ferries.

"What we are doing is opening talks. What cannot happen is the town of Dover be ignored and the people living within Dover while major expansion takes places at Dover's expense."