We, the undersigned, demand an immediate halt to the planned toll increase at the Dartford Crossing, scheduled to rise from £2.50 to £3.50 each way in September 2025. Not only is this a 42% increase, but it is a blatant betrayal of long-standing promises to the public.

 

 

 

❌ 

Broken Promises

 

 

 

The Dartford Crossing was officially paid off in 2003. At that point, the government promised to scrap tolls entirely. Instead, they’ve continued to rise year-on-year, rebranded under the misleading term “charge,” with no real justification for continued or increased collection.

 

 

 

💰 

Unfair and Regressive

 

 

 

Drivers are already struggling under the cost-of-living crisis.
Local workers, families, and small business owners are disproportionately affected.
Crossing twice daily (e.g., work commute) will soon cost £7 per day — £140 per month, or over £1,600 per year.
Meanwhile, the crossing brings in £200 million+ per year, yet:

Congestion remains a daily nightmare.
Air pollution in Dartford and Thurrock is among the worst in the UK.
Drivers face delays and fines, even after paying.

 

 

 

🌍 

Environmental and Economic Nonsense

 

 

 

The charge is not discouraging car use — it’s punishing it. Queues at the crossing result in idling traffic and increased emissions. Public transport options remain poor, and there is no viable alternative for many drivers. Increasing the toll further will not fix this — it simply milks working people even more.

 

 

📢 

Our Demands:

 

 

 

❌ Cancel the September 2025 toll increase.
📉 Implement a phased plan to scrap the Dart Charge altogether.
🏘️ Offer permanent discounts or exemptions for local residents and essential workers.
🛣️ Demand transparency: where is this money going, and why is nothing improving?

 

 

✊ 

Join the Protest: Rolling Convoy Action

 

 

 

We’re planning a peaceful rolling protest — a legal, slow-moving convoy over the crossing to make our voices heard.

 

📅 Date: TBC (proposed late August or early September)

📍 Starting Points: Thurrock & Dartford sides

🚗 Vehicles: All welcome — cars, vans, taxis, bikes (with support vehicles)

 

How it works:

 

Drivers will maintain the minimum legal motorway speed (around 30-40mph) while crossing in convoy.
Flash signs, flags, and window posters to raise awareness.
No stopping, no blocking — just visibility and unity.

 

 

We’ll inform local authorities to stay lawful and safe — this is peaceful civil protest for working people, by working people.

 

 

📣 Support Us Now!

 

 

Sign this petition and share it far and wide. Email your MP. Contact local papers. Join the protest convoy. The more of us that act, the harder we are to ignore.

 

Together, we can stop the toll hike and expose this long-running betrayal.

 

🖊️ Sign now. Speak up. Don’t let them price us off the road.