The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Penning): On the 30th June The Department for Transport launched a consultation on proposals to change the charging regime at the Dartford – Thurrock River Crossing. The consultation closed on the 23rd September.

The consultation made reference to increasing the charges during November 2011 and again in April 2012.

I am pleased with the number of responses received and the level of engagement from local communities. In recognition of the number of representations made and to allow the Department time to carefully consider the responses further, I can advise that there will be no increase in either November 2011 or April 2012.

A final decision on the timing of future rises and a full response to the consultation will, subject to Cabinet Committee clearance, be announced early next year.