THURROCK's MP has welcomed news that potential toll hikes at the Dartford Crossing would fund work to improve the flow of traffic and a second river crossing.

Tory MP Jackie Doyle-Price, asked Road Minister Mike Penning to confirm when the Government intends to consult on raising the tolls.

Mr Penning said: “The Department for Transport intends to begin the necessary consultation on proposals for the new charging regime at the Dartford Crossing around the end of 2010.

“Increasing the charges as proposed allows future investment in improvements at the Crossing, including the implementation of free-flow charging technology, and funding of proposals for a new, additional lower Thames crossing in the longer term.”

Jackie Doyle-Price said she is against the toll hike, but has welcomed the news that the extra money would be used to improve the crossing.

She said: “I remain opposed to the increase in the tolls but I am reassured that the Government have recognised the need for an additional river crossing and confirmed that the increased tolls will foot the bill.

“Once again road users in Thurrock have had to tolerate appalling levels of congestion over the last week following the closure of the bridge due to high winds.

“Motorists are preparing for repeated gridlock between now and Christmas as our road network has to cope with the queues at the crossing and increased traffic travelling towards Lakeside.”

The MP also wants the cash to fund improvements at junction 30 of the M25.

She added: “Until a new crossing is constructed, getting around by car in Thurrock will always be at the mercy of the traffic conditions around the crossing.

“This is adding significant costs to local businesses and is damaging our prospects for increasing business investment and creating jobs. If we are to maintain Thurrock’s central role as a transport and logistics hub, this simply has to be addressed. I will therefore also be lobbying the Government to use the extra toll revenues to fund the much-needed improvements at Junction 30 of the M25.”