Dartford Crossing price increase comes into effect

The Dartford Crossing opened in November 1963

The standard charge for car drivers using the Dartford Crossing is rising from £2.50 to £3.50.

The crossing connects the M25 in Essex and Kent.

The changes come into effect on Monday with the Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood previously telling parliament the price hike was due to increased demand since 2014.

"The crossing has grown 7.5%, with the crossing now used by an average of more than 150,000 vehicles every day and up to 180,000 vehicles on the busiest days," she said.

"Current charging levels are no longer sufficient to achieve their stated aim of managing demand so that the crossing works well for users and local people."

This means buses, coaches, vans and other goods vehicles with two axles, will now need to pay £4.20.

Meanwhile those with more than two axles will need to pay £8.40.

The Department for Transport said journeys made between the hours of 22:00 and 06:00 would continue to be free, when there is no need to manage demand, as would those made by motorcycles at any time and the bicycle pick-up service.

There are still no charges for motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes.