Latest news with #DartfordCrossing
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Major toll route used by 150,000 drivers a day could TRIPLE in cost for motorists to help fund £9bn mega project
MOTORISTS who use the Dartford tunnel toll route could face triple the costs - if the upcoming Lower Thames Crossing mega project is built using private finance. Transport analysts suggest that funding for the new crossing, a 14.3-mile route connecting Essex and Kent with an estimated price tag of £9.2 billion, could result in daily fees at the Dartford Crossing soaring to £8.10. 4 4 4 Currently, cars pay £2.50 to use the crossing, but the Transport Action Network (TAN) suggests fees could rise to £8.10 for cars and £14 for lorries to cover the Lower Thames Crossing's construction and financing costs. However, National Highways has dismissed these claims as speculative - claiming that tolls would remain in line with current rates but adjusted for inflation. The Lower Thames Crossing project, approved in March, would massively ease congestion by providing an alternative route for vehicles between Essex and Kent. Specifically, the huge, motorway-style tunnel would link the town of Tilbury in Essex to Medway in Kent, would also be connected to the A2 and M2 in Kent, as well as the A13 and M25 in Essex. It would also provide transport links between London and crossings to Dover - which, of course, account for half of the goods traded between Britain and mainland Europe. While business groups like the Road Haulage Association and Logistics UK welcome the infrastructure as critical for reducing congestion and improving freight reliability - they stress the importance of keeping tolls reasonable. Environmental campaigners have argued that the crossing could further add to pollution and congestion. Despite the controversy, the Lower Thames Crossing is viewed as a critical addition to Britain's transport network, with some comparing its potential toll structure to that of the recently tolled Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels in east London. According to figures, the Dartford Crossing generated £221.5m in tolls and penalty charges in 2023 to 2024, with £134.9m in operating costs. As reported by The Guardian, Chris Todd, the director of TAN, said: 'Politicians have given the impression that building the Lower Thames Crossing will be pain-free. First new road bridge crossing River Clyde in 20 years opens to drivers TODAY 'In addition to the construction chaos, the huge drain on the public finances, the cost of private finance is likely to be high. 'On even the cheapest PFI deal, the tolls at Dartford and on the new crossing will have to treble. 'That's a huge hit for the travelling public. Most people will still have to use the Dartford Crossing yet will be paying three times what they are now, for very little noticeable benefit.' In response, the National Highways said: 'These numbers are untrue. 'As the planning application for the project is made clear, charges will be applied at the same rate as the Dartford Crossing.' The Dartford Crossing, one of the busiest bridges in Europe, links the counties of Essex and Kent via the cable-stayed Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which stands 137 metres high and carries southbound traffic and two 0.8-mile-long tunnels for northbound journeys. According to statistics, up to 180,000 vehicles use the bridge during its busiest times, although it was originally designed for 135,000 vehicles a day. Its daily average works out at approximately 150,000 vehicles. Almost 40% of those vehicles are HGVs carrying freight - a much higher proportion than on other major roads.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Which cameras caught the most speeding drivers?
Cameras on the M25 at Swanley recorded more than 6,000 speeding offences last year, more than any others in Kent, the BBC can reveal. The cameras covering the clockwise and anti-clockwise stretch of the motorway recorded the most offences, followed by cameras between junctions three and five in both directions on the M20, along with the A282 approach to the Dartford Crossing. A total of 70,202 vehicles were detected over the speed limit by cameras in the county in 2024. A further 7,850 fines were issued by roads policing officers. BBC South East previously revealed how one driver was detected speeding at 164mph on the M25 in Kent. Kent Police said speeding was one of the 'fatal factors' that contributed to the highest number of road collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries. Ch Insp Craig West, head of Roads Policing, said: "Officers proactively target those who put other road users at risk, including on some of the busiest parts of the road network, where there's a greater risk of collisions occurring if motorists do not keep to the speed limit. "We contribute to Kent County Council's Vision Zero strategy, which involves partners coming together and using a combination of engagement, education, enforcement and prevention methods to aim for as close to zero fatalities and life-changing injuries as possible. "Our message to all motorists is a simple one – protect yourself and others by sticking to the speed limit." New figures obtained by the BBC from Kent Police show detections for both speed camera offences and tickets issued by officers were lower last year than in 2023. Cases of speeding at camera locations in Kent are falling. Between 2020, when there were over 84,000 detections, and 2024 they have dropped by 17%. The number of fines issued by police at the roadside have also declined in the last year. In 2023, officers handed out 9,929 fines, 20% more than in 2024. Meanwhile between 2020 and 2024, cameras in Kent generated over £9.1m in penalties. The motoring organisation AA is calling on the government to introduce more dedicated roads policing officers. Jack Cousens, heads of roads policy at the AA, said: "Roads police should not become too reliant on camera technology. "Cameras are a very important tool to police the roads, but what they can't do is stop a driver in the act and it also cannot uncover the reason why they're speeding, perhaps they may be under the influence of drink or drugs, or playing with a hand held phone behind the wheel. "We want at least 1,000 more [officers] by the end of this Parliament." The Home Office has been approached by the BBC for comment. David Barton, a Kent solicitor who represents speeding drivers, believes more motorists are now heeding the warnings. "I think people are more aware of the serious consequences for repeat offences," he said. "People know that once you get to 12 points in a three-year period, you face a mandatory six month disqualification and it's getting increasingly difficult to persuade courts not to impose that disqualification." A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Strict enforcement and tough penalties are in place for those who choose to put lives at risk by speeding, and for anyone who drives without a licence." Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Selfish drivers doing 164mph must stop, police say Huge surge in fines for speeding on Kent roads Fined drivers blame 'inadequate' signs at speed trap Department for Transport Kent Police
BBC News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
More than 70,000 speeding offences detected in Kent in 2024
Cameras on the M25 at Swanley recorded more than 6,000 speeding offences last year, more than any others in Kent, the BBC can cameras covering the clockwise and anti-clockwise stretch of the motorway recorded the most offences, followed by cameras between junctions three and five in both directions on the M20, along with the A282 approach to the Dartford Crossing.A total of 70,202 vehicles were detected over the speed limit by cameras in the county in 2024.A further 7,850 fines were issued by roads policing officers. 'Stick to the limit' BBC South East previously revealed how one driver was detected speeding at 164mph on the M25 in Police said speeding was one of the 'fatal factors' that contributed to the highest number of road collisions resulting in deaths and serious Insp Craig West, head of Roads Policing, said: "Officers proactively target those who put other road users at risk, including on some of the busiest parts of the road network, where there's a greater risk of collisions occurring if motorists do not keep to the speed limit."We contribute to Kent County Council's Vision Zero strategy, which involves partners coming together and using a combination of engagement, education, enforcement and prevention methods to aim for as close to zero fatalities and life-changing injuries as possible."Our message to all motorists is a simple one – protect yourself and others by sticking to the speed limit." New figures obtained by the BBC from Kent Police show detections for both speed camera offences and tickets issued by officers were lower last year than in of speeding at camera locations in Kent are 2020, when there were over 84,000 detections, and 2024 they have dropped by 17%.The number of fines issued by police at the roadside have also declined in the last 2023, officers handed out 9,929 fines, 20% more than in between 2020 and 2024, cameras in Kent generated over £9.1m in penalties. The motoring organisation AA is calling on the government to introduce more dedicated roads policing Cousens, heads of roads policy at the AA, said: "Roads police should not become too reliant on camera technology. "Cameras are a very important tool to police the roads, but what they can't do is stop a driver in the act and it also cannot uncover the reason why they're speeding, perhaps they may be under the influence of drink or drugs, or playing with a hand held phone behind the wheel."We want at least 1,000 more [officers] by the end of this Parliament."The Home Office has been approached by the BBC for comment. 'We need more traffic officers' David Barton, a Kent solicitor who represents speeding drivers, believes more motorists are now heeding the warnings."I think people are more aware of the serious consequences for repeat offences," he said."People know that once you get to 12 points in a three-year period, you face a mandatory six month disqualification and it's getting increasingly difficult to persuade courts not to impose that disqualification." A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Strict enforcement and tough penalties are in place for those who choose to put lives at risk by speeding, and for anyone who drives without a licence."
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Long delays following crash on M25 near Queen Elizabeth II bridge
Three lanes of the M25 have been shut following a crash near the Dartford Crossing. Motorists crossing the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge are experiencing long delays, following an earlier crash between Junctions 1A and 1B. The incident is affecting the clockwise carriageway, with slow traffic reported up to South Ockendon. Essex Highways confirmed the hard shoulder, as well as lanes one, two and three, are closed following a collision. Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible and plan extra time for their journeys until the lanes have reopened. UPDATE - The M25 - clockwise between junctions J1A and J1B . Lane Closures : The hard shoulder, lanes 1, 2 and 3 are closed. due to a Road traffic collision. — Essex Travel News (@Essex_Travel) May 24, 2025
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Major motorway tunnel used by 150,000 drivers a day to CLOSE for maintenance
A BUSY major motorway used by thousands of drivers every day will close for maintenance - check your route. The controversial Operation Brock contraflow will principally affect motorists as we head into the spring bank holiday weekend. 1 The Dartford Crossing, which connects Dartford in Kent to Thurrock in Essex, will undergo overnight works which are set to trigger significant disruption. National Highways also confirmed that the M20 motorway will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight on Wednesday from 8pm so Operation Brock can be deployed. This is at the request of the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum as higher passenger numbers are anticipated at the county's ports over the bank holiday weekend. The London-bound carriageway will shut between Junction 9 and Junction 8 from 8pm to 6am, while at the same time the coastbound carriageway will close between Junctions 7 and 9. Coastbound traffic will be diverted via the A249, M2, A2, and A20, as London-bound journeys are diverted via the A20, A2, M2 and A229. The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) said the decision was 'not taken lightly' and was made to help reduce delays at the Port of Dover and in the surrounding areas during the busy period. There is also a possibility that the contraflow could be reinstated for the summer holidays as it was in 2024 reports KentLiveNews. It is yet to be confirmed whether or not the contraflow will make a return for summer 2025, and Kent County Council has said that the KMRF will 'take a view on the traffic management needed over the summer months once more accurate data is available.' However, the government is working on a permanent solution to the problem of congestion at the Port of Dover backing up traffic deep into Kent. The new system would use a combination of new digital technology and off-road sites to hold HGVs during disruption, but is still in the early planning stages. Here is a breakdown of the roadworks this week. Monday, May 19 The A2 eastbound will shut from Tollgate to the M2 Junction 2 between 8pm and 6am for survey works. The A2 eastbound Pepperhill entry slip will shut from 8pm to 6am for survey works. The A2 eastbound Ebbsfleet entry slip will be closed between 8pm and 6am for survey works. The A2 westbound Darenth Interchange to M25 anti-clockwise Junction 2 link road will shut from 10pm to 5am for joint replacement works. The A20 westbound will close between Swanley Interchange and Ruxley from 10pm to 5.30am for resurfacing. The A21 northbound and southbound Intch Roundabout exit slip roads will shut between 9pm and 5am for KCC works. The A282 northbound west tunnel of the Dartford Crossing will shut between 9pm and 5am for tunnel works. Traffic will be diverted via the east tunnel. The M2 eastbound Junction 5 entry slip will shut from 8pm to 6am for survey works. The M20 eastbound between the Junction 6 exit and entry slip distributor road will close from 8pm to 6am for survey works. The M20 eastbound Junction 6 entry slip will close from 8pm to 6am for survey works. The M20 eastbound Junction 5 entry and exit slips will close from 8pm to 6am for barrier works. The M20 eastbound Junction 5 distributor road between the exit and entry slips will shut from 8pm to 6am for barrier works. The M20 eastbound Junction 2 exit slip will be shut between 10pm and 5am for maintenance. Tuesday, May 20 The A2 eastbound will shut from Tollgate to the M2 Junction 2 between 8pm and 6am for survey works. The A2 eastbound Pepperhill entry slip will shut from 8pm to 6am for survey works. The A2 eastbound Ebbsfleet entry slip will be closed between 8pm and 6am for survey works. The A2 eastbound will close between Adisham Road and Westcourt Road from 11pm to 5am for maintenance. The A2 westbound Darenth Interchange to M25 anti-clockwise Junction 2 link road will shut from 10pm to 5am for joint replacement works. The A20 westbound will close between Swanley Interchange and Ruxley from 10pm to 5.30am for resurfacing. The A21 northbound and southbound Intch Roundabout exit slip roads will shut between 9pm and 5am for KCC works. The A21 will close in both directions between Coopers Corner and Johns Cross from 9pm to 5am for South East Water works. The A282 northbound west tunnel of the Dartford Crossing will shut between 9pm and 5am for tunnel works. Traffic will be diverted via the east tunnel. The M20 westbound Junction 6 to Junction 5 distributor road will be shut from 8pm to 6am for barrier works. The M20 westbound Junction 6 entry and exit slips will shut from 8pm to 6am for barrier works. The M20 westbound Junction 5 exit slip will close from 8pm to 6am for barrier works. The M20 eastbound Junction 2 exit slip will close from 10pm to 5am for maintenance. Wednesday, May 21 The A2 westbound Canterbury Road entry slip will shut from 8pm to 5am for maintenance. The A2 westbound Darenth Interchange to M25 anti-clockwise Junction 2 link road will shut from 10pm to 5am for joint replacement works. The A20 westbound will close between Swanley Interchange and Ruxley from 10pm to 5.30am for resurfacing. The A21 northbound and southbound Intch Roundabout exit slip roads will shut between 9pm and 5am for KCC works. The A282 northbound west tunnel of the Dartford Crossing will shut between 9pm and 5am for tunnel works. Traffic will be diverted via the east tunnel. The M20 London-bound will close from Junction 9 to Junction 8 between 8pm and 6am for the reintroduction of Operation Brock. Traffic will be diverted via the A20, A2, M2 and A229. The M20 coastbound will close from Junction 7 to Junction 9 between 8pm and 6am for the reintroduction of Operation Brock. Traffic will be diverted via the A249, M2, A2, and A20. The M20 eastbound Junction 8 entry slip will be shut while Operation Brock is in effect. The M20 westbound Junction 2 entry slip will be closed from 10pm to 5am for maintenance. The M26 eastbound will close from Junction 2a to the M20 Junction 3 between 10pm and 5.30am for drainage works. The eastbound Junction 2a entry slip will also be closed during this time. Thursday, May 22 The A2 eastbound will shut from Tollgate to the M2 Junction 2 between 8pm and 6am for survey works. The A2 eastbound Pepperhill entry slip will shut from 8pm to 6am for survey works. The A2 eastbound Ebbsfleet entry slip will be closed between 8pm and 6am for survey works. The A2 westbound Darenth Interchange to M25 anti-clockwise Junction 2 link road will shut from 10pm to 5am for joint replacement works. The A282 northbound west tunnel of the Dartford Crossing will shut between 9pm and 5am for tunnel works. Traffic will be diverted via the east tunnel. The A282 southbound Junction 1a exit slip will shut from 10pm to 5.30am for resurfacing. The M20 westbound Junction 6 to Junction 5 distributor road will be shut from 8pm to 6am for barrier works. The M20 westbound Junction 6 entry and exit slips will shut from 8pm to 6am for barrier works. The M20 westbound Junction 5 exit slip will close from 8pm to 6am for barrier works. The M20 eastbound Junction 8 entry slip will be shut while Operation Brock is in effect. The M26 eastbound will close from Junction 2a to the M20 Junction 3 between 10pm and 5.30am for drainage works. The eastbound Junction 2a entry slip will also be closed during this time. Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25 The M20 eastbound Junction 8 entry slip will be shut while Operation Brock is in effect. There are no further planned closures on the A2, A20, A21, M2, M20, M25 or M26 in Kent between these dates.
