TOLLS at the Dartford Crossing are set to rise to £2.50 per journey.

Following the Chancellor's Comprehensive Spending Review, it emerged the tolls will rise to £2 next year and then up to £2.50 per crossing in 2012.

The controversial announcements will affect the thousands of motorists and businesses which use the Dartford Crossing daily.

A statement from the Treasury said: "The department and the Highways Agency are developing options to improve the crossing for motorists including: exploring a new additional crossing; using free flow charging to improve efficiency; and removing charges to aid flow when congestion is most severe.

"The increased charges will be used to fund this work."