THE Dartford Crossing toll fees will increase by 50 per cent, Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman has confirmed.

But residents of Dartford and Thurrock will get a discount rate of close to 90 per cent to use the crossing, after outrage from local motorists.

Dr Ladyman, who is the MP for Thanet South, made his announcement at the Dartford Crossing offices on Monday.

He said: "My decision [to give a discount] came from representations from local media such as the Kent Messenger Group, and Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate and Essex MP Andrew MacKinlay.

"A discount for local people is guaranteed and we will come as close to 90 per cent as we can, which is what the MPs asked for. We still have to work out the details."

Dartford MP Dr Stoate said: "I'm delighted because this is exactly what I asked for.

"Two groups of people will benefit from this - local commuters who have to use the Dartford Crossing, and local shoppers using the Bluewater and Lakeside shopping centres."

The increases mean car drivers who do not live in the discount area face paying £1.50 a trip to use the crossing.

The new charges will come into effect from January 1, 2008.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S DARTFORD, SWANLEY AND GRAVESEND MESSENGERS

* What do you think of the decision? E-mail dartfordmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk