An angry Andrew Mackinlay has slammed the Government's decision to continue with tolls between Essex and Dartford next year and beyond.
The MP for Thurrock said he was "incandescent with anger" over the decision.
The outburst came after the Government announced the toll charges would not be axed in March 2003 as originally stated. Instead they will continue - and it is not guaranteed the cost will not rise.
He said: "I have always opposed the continuation of tolls on the crossing and this decision stinks. But if the tolls were to continue the money should stay local.
"It is grossly unfair the people living in south Essex and north Kent should pay a disproportionate amount towards the funding of the national road network. It is a virtual tax on people living close to the crossing, many have to pay £10 a week to drive to and from work. Now we should look at putting a similar toll on all major river crossings."
He added: "The continuation of tolls goes against a Parliamentary decision."
Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002
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