The failure to collect tolls from foreign-registered vehicles using the Dartford Crossing is being branded as “ridiculous” by politicians in Kent.
The county’s Liberal Democrat group submitted a Freedom of Information request and discovered more than 150,000 foreign-registered lorries failed to pay the charge in the last year. They pointed out that this has been an ongoing issue since the crossing went free-flow four years ago and drivers did not have to pay at the toll booth.
County Councillor Ian Chittenden, Lib Dem Spokesperson on Transport issues on the County Council, said, “The decision not to improve the link roads serving the crossing – already accident black spots – risks worsening traffic problems in years to come. Exactly the opposite outcome we all want.
“The continued failure to collect tolls from foreign registered vehicles is getting ridiculous. A new system should be introduced as quickly as possible, and the new Lower Thames Crossing should have a consistent system when completed and open for use.”
