Residents get call in toll fight

2:27pm Thursday 11th January 2007

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Thurrock MPs Andrew Mackinlay and Angela Smith have joined forces and with Dartford MP Howard Stoate to campaign for a 90 per-cent discount on the Dartford River Crossing tolls.

In the next few weeks most households in Thurrock will receive a postcard supporting the campaign which, if successful will reduce tolls for local people to just 15 pence.

“We’re asking for 90 per-cent because that’s what people living within London’s Congestion Charge Zone in London receive on the congestion charge. "

Andrew Mackinlay

Mr Mackinlay said: "When we met the Transport Minister recently to protest at the 50 per-cent hike in the toll charge, he said he would consider the possibility of a discount scheme for residents of Thurrock and Dartford.

"We're asking for 90 per-cent because that's what people living within London's Congestion Charge Zone in London receive on the congestion charge.

"We need our constituents to support this campaign in large numbers for it to be successful. It's so important for people complete and return their postcards or write to Angela and me as quickly as possible or we could be faced with a 50 per-cent increase in the charge.

Angela Smith added: "In an ideal world we would prefer not to see any tolls on any roads.

"But we have to look at what can realistically be won for the people of Thurrock at this time.

The majority we have spoken to would be delighted to see any cut in the toll they pay.

"The Department for Transport consultation asked for views on discounts but does not give complete removal of the tolls as an option.

"Andrew and I, along with Howard Stoate are campaigning for the maximum reduction of 90%.

"I hope people will write to Andrew or me with their views, so we can present these to the Transport Minister before the end of the consultation on March 9.

"Unless we fight a vigorous campaign for a reduction, we could all be playing more every time we cross."

However the MPs have come under some criticism from a Grays resident who says they should be fighting for the tolls to be scrapped.

Allan Edwards, 35, of Badgers Dene, Grays, is calling for politicians to back residents who want the tolls abolished by signing and online petition.

He said: "My view is that the crossing is paid for, its ongoing repair is assured by the bonds held. Continuing to charge, let alone raising the toll, is simply an unfair tax on living in Essex or Kent.

"Tolls are not spent on local infrastructure. Our local politicians should join us in calling for the fee to be scrapped, not ask for a discounted fee."

The petition, which can be found at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ScraptheTolls, must be signed by January 28.