Outrage over Dartford toll rise

MP Bob Spink said tolls increase delays

An Essex MP has condemned the government for raising the Dartford Crossing toll by 50% this week.

Castle Point MP Bob Spink has tabled a Commons motion calling the new £1.50 toll a "dishonest stealth tax".

Mr Spink, a former Conservative and now a member of the UK Independence Party, wants the toll charges to be removed.

"More vehicles want to use the crossing than it can manage. We need to take action now," a spokesman for the Department of Transport (DfT) said.

"Studies indicate that without any charge traffic levels would be 17% higher, leading to even more extensive congestion.

"Without action traffic will continue to grow leading to serious delays."

Mr Spink argued that ministers promised to end the charges several years ago and said the tolls cause delays, damage to the environment and increased danger to road users.