§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what projects net tax income from the Dartford crossing on the M25 will be spent in 2003–04. [104614]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Dartford net revenues form part of the funding included in our 10 year transport plan. After actual revenues have been received we shall be able to identify projects which will illustrate the benefits this additional source of funding has helped deliver.
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his estimate is of the economic cost of delays which will be occasioned to traffic in 2003–04 by means of having to pay tolls at the Dartford crossing on the M25. [104615]
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§ Mr. JamiesonThe principal cause of delays at the Dartford crossing is the capacity of the crossing and the surrounding network. Research published in August 2001 suggested that use of the Dartford crossing would grow more rapidly if there were no charge to use the crossing. Using 1997 as a base year the forecast was that traffic would be 17.6 per cent. higher in 2003 if there was no charge, compared to the situation if charging was maintained at the same level.
A significant increase in the level of traffic could have an adverse impact on the local community and users of the crossing in terms of health, the economy and the environment.
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the forecast gross toll revenue is from the Dartford crossing on the M25 for 2003–04; and what the forecast cost is of collecting the tolls in 2003–04. [104616]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe forecast gross revenue from road user charging at the Dartford crossing for 2003–04 is approximately £66 million.
The management fee for 2003–04 to be paid to 'Le Crossing', who have been appointed to operate and maintain the crossing including collection of the user charge, is forecast to be approximately £16 million.