QE2 Bridge Tolls Could be Scrapped

The Department for Transport has confirmed to James Brokenshire that it is prepared to consider scrapping tolls on the QE2 Bridge into Kent. The details were provided in a letter from Transport Minister Sadiq Khan MP. In his letter to James Brokenshire Mr Khan said that the Government would take forward work on examining 'better use options' for the Bridge and the two tunnels as well as considering the need for additional capacity through a potential new crossing.

The two options under consideration to make better use of the existing crossing are:

• maintaining the existing toll plazas but increasing their efficiency through the use of new technology and a revised layout; and
• removing the southbound charges and creating a revised northbound toll plaza layout to address issues of cars 'weaving' as they approach the tunnel entrances.

Mr Khan said:

"We will need to understand the potential benefits and impacts from the possible introduction of a one-way charging regime at the existing crossing, particularly if there are any diversionary effects which could impact on other parts of the strategic and local road networks."

Commenting, James Brokenshire who has campaigned to cut the hold-ups at the Dartford River Crossing said:

"This is certainly a step in the right direction, but there still seems to be a reluctance to accept that the current tolling arrangements are contributing to the congestion and the misery of drivers. Despite traffic numbers falling delays have been increasing.

"It could take the Transport Department eighteen months to complete their study. I will press the Government to speed up their review in the hope that motorists will soon be able to speed up their journeys when using the Crossing."

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