DARTFORD-THURROCK CROSSING

That this House notes the annual traffic flow at the Dartford Crossing decreased between 2004 and 2007 while overall income from charges increased; further notes that charging at the Dartford Crossing was to cease when financial commitments for the Crossing had been met; acknowledges the Department for Transport's proposal for a local discount scheme for residents in the Dartford and Thurrock local authority areas as part of their ongoing consultation; is concerned that Bexley local authority area was not included in the proposal; recognises that Bexley residents will have to pay 50 per cent. more to use the crossing if they do not buy a Dart-tag; and calls on the Government to add Bexley to the local discount scheme.