Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez has written to Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood to raise serious concerns about the Government’s planned increase to the Dartford Crossing charge due to come into effect on 1 September. 

In her letter, Mrs Lopez highlights the frustration and worry expressed by local residents and businesses who rely on the Dartford Crossing for essential journeys. She warns that the planned rise in charges will place an additional financial burden on people in Havering and surrounding areas, many of whom have no viable alternative route for work, family and care responsibilities. 

The letter challenges the justification given for the increase, which officials have suggested will help to manage congestion. Mrs Lopez argues that most motorists use the crossing out of necessity rather than choice and that the increase is perceived locally as a revenue-raising measure targeting drivers in outer London and nearby counties. 

Mrs Lopez also drew attention to the historical context of the crossing charge. She noted that the original toll was only intended to recover construction costs of the Queen Elizabeth II bridge, but continued under the Blair administration as a permanent charge. Her letter reflects wider concerns about a pattern of increased costs for motorists in east London, including the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone and charges at the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels. 

The MP also pressed the Minister to consider the lack of free river crossings in the east of the capital compared to the west, where there are 15 free crossings between Tower Bridge and the M25. She described this disparity as unfair and called on the Government to reflect on whether further toll increases are justifiable when options are already limited. 

As part of her letter, Mrs Lopez made three specific requests. These include a pause or reduction in the planned toll increase, reforms to Transport for London’s funding mechanisms to ensure fairer treatment of outer London boroughs, and the expansion of the Dart Charge Local Resident Discount Scheme to include residents of the London Borough of Havering. 

Mrs Lopez said: 

“I want to thank all those residents and businesses who have taken the time to share their views with me. It is clear that many people are deeply concerned about the cost of using the Dartford Crossing and the lack of reasonable alternatives. I remain deeply concerned about the Government’s plans to increase the charges and will continue to make the case for a fairer and more balanced approach for motorists in our part of London.”