Drivers living on either side of the Dartford Crossing could get a discount on the cost of crossing the Thames.

The government has agreed in principle to reductions in the toll, due to rise from £1 to £1.50 for cars, but said it was not yet able to say by how much.

A public consultation on changes to the charges had 10,730 responses.

Transport minister Stephen Ladyman has said:

“We have registered the strong demand for local discounts expressed through the consultation.”

He said his department would publish detailed proposals later this year.

The government confirmed there would also be a discount for drivers using the electronic DART-Tag.

These drivers will also be able to use the crossing for the current £1 cash charge regardless of where they live.

For full story see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6518051.stm