Last week the Department for Transport announced that most drivers will see a 40 percent increase in the Dart Charge, the road user fee applied to manage traffic at one of the UK’s busiest crossings.
This will come into effect on September 1.
Car drivers will pay £3.50 per crossing, up from the current £2.50 and account holders will pay £2.80.
Buses, coaches, vans and other goods vehicles with two axles will pay £4.20 or £3.60 for pre-pay account holders and buses, coaches, vans and other goods vehicles with more than two axles will pay £8.40 or £7.20 for pre-pay account holders.
The Dart Charge will be increased from September 1 (Image: Google)MORE NEWS: Quarter of all fines handed out at Hornchurch car park cancelled
The price increase was criticised by Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez.
She said: “This 40 per cent rise will come as an unwelcome shock to constituents, especially those who rely on the crossing for work or family commitments.
“I understand the need to manage traffic and maintain vital infrastructure, but this is a steep increase in one go and adds to the financial pressure on people’s household budgets.
“I also question whether this rise is truly about managing demand.
“The reality is that people will continue to use the crossing because they have no alternative, it’s a vital route for work, family and freight.
“I want to hear directly from residents who will be affected by this decision so I can make sure their voices are heard.”
National Highways says the crossing carries up to 180,000 vehicles a day, well above its intended capacity of 135,000.
The Department for Transport has been contacted for comment.
