Abolish all tolls
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• The reduction in toll charges at the Dartford Crossing during off-peak times is welcome but tolls should be abolished altogether, says the Freight Transport Association.
Off-peak tolls were reduced this week to a flat rate of 11 by new operator Le Crossing (CM 27 March-2 April). The day rate for goods vehicles remains a maximum of 12.90 for movements between 6am and 10pm.
"Charges should be abolished altogether as envisaged in the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988. Despite an original undertaking to make the crossing toll-free, the government has decided that the toll be used to fund public transport schemes," says Sue Moody, FTA regional director for London and the South-East.
Delays caused by vehicles queuing to pay the charge result in lost time and productivity and increased emissions, says Moody. "It is time it Was scrapped," she adds.