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Cllr Clarence Barrett (Cranham, RA), who spearheaded a high profile campaign earlier this year opposing the increase, said : “This is really great news and I would like to thank all those who signed the petition, supported the facebook group and responded to the consultation. It just goes to show that people power really can make a difference. The campaign was supported by a 2,500 strong petition to the Prime Minister, a facebook group containing some 3,300 members and a motion initiated by the Residents' Association which gained all party support in Havering Council. Cllr Barrett continued: "Some 150,000 vehicles use the crossing every day, generating around £70 million per year in toll fees - along with a great deal of congestion, pollution and wasted cost to businesses. After operational costs are deducted the crossing produces a surplus of £45 million per year for the government. "While the long term aim to abolish the toll is the preferred option, the introduction of automatic number plate recognition is preferable to a physical barrier. However, the £45million net surplus generated each year is more than enough to fund this and there is absolutely no need to increase the toll." 24.11.11 See petition - http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/scrap-the-toll.html See facebook group - http://www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622#!/groups/scrapthetoll/ |
Proposals to increase the standard Dartford Toll to £2.50 by next year have been scrapped following public opposition.