§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his policy is on ending toll collections at the Dartford Thames Crossing; and to what timetable. [61099]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe powers that permit tolling at the Dartford Crossing, contained in the Dartford Thurrock Crossing Act 1988, expire on 31 March 2003. However, it was announced on 4 April 2002 that we have decided to introduce a road user charging scheme at the Crossing using powers contained in the Transport Act 2000. The Act requires that the net revenues from the charging scheme be spent on transport projects. It is expected that the charging scheme will commence on 1 April 2003.