HOW would motorists and Thurrock residents react to Chancellor George Osborne’s announcement that there is to be a big rise in the price of using the Dartford Tunnel and QEII Bridge?

Gazette reporter Melissa Hills went to West Thurrock Service Station to gauge reaction to the news.

Lorry driver Rob White, 44, from Aldershot, said: “I use the crossing between ten and 12 times a week and compared to other crossings round the country it is reasonable.

“I got the impression that the tolls would go once the bridge was paid for, it’s horrendous that they are still using it to bleed money out of residents.

“It’s an occupational hazard because when working, I have to use it and I pay for it myself.”

Lorry driver, Andy Clarke, 34, from Nottingham, said: “I think the rise will be a good thing, it will mean more money for the Government to take care of the crossing and the roads.

“It’s only right with the prices of everything else rising that the tolls should go up too.”

Cafe worker at the MOTO services, Samantha Bayford, 29, from Hall Avenue, Aveley, said: “I think the rise is a disgrace.

“I use the crossing a lot and the toll booths hold everything back.

“The roads in Thurrock are a nightmare because of the crossing.”

Costa coffee worker, Charlene Cootes, 23, of Cole Avenue, Chadwell St Mary, said: “The rises are not fair on the drivers who use the crossing.

“They let motorbikes through for free so why should cars not go through free as well.

“They should also get rid of the tolls because it affects the traffic in Thurrock so much, I was once on a bus which was stuck for four hours because of it.”