Statement from the Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr John Kent.
People need to be aware that the free-flow tolls system and the increased charges to cross the Thames between Thurrock and Dartford come into affect at 6am this coming Sunday, 30 November.
And people using the crossing this coming weekend also have to be prepared for delays and even diversions through The Blackwall Tunnel As the Queen Elizabeth Ii Bridge and both tunnels are closed on separate nights.
Details of the changes – which will no doubt lead to even more severe congestion than usual around the approaches – are available through the council’s website, but first and foremost I must again urge all Thurrock residents who use the crossing to make sure they’re all signed up for the love cal resident discount.
Instead of £2.50 each way, the discount costs £10 for 50 trips – 20p a go – or £20 for unlimited trips. A little bit of online effort saves possibly hundreds of pounds.
It’s also worth remembering, if you’re not a regular user, you will be able to pay for using the crossing at local shops. A list of them is available at http://www.payzone.co.uk/Store-Locator, just key in that you want Transport and ticketing, then Dart Charge, then either put your town or post code.
I am disappointed at the lack of discount for local businesses, despite many requests for this common sense measure; disappointed that increased charges are brought in on the same day free-flow starts with major roadworks, again despite requests for common sense to rule; and disappointed at the increased charges themselves and must ask why is the government targeting hard-working and struggling businesses and hard-working, hard-up families when the crossing was paid for many years ago?
