THE Dartford Crossing could be brought to a standstill by a convoy of lorry drivers protesting about toll fees.

The “Scrap the Tolls” action is being considered by Gareth Johnson, the North Kent town’s Conservative Party spokesman.

Mr Johnson told the Dartford Messenger: “I feel very strongly that the Government should honour its commitment to scrap the tolls on the Dartford Crossing now that it has been fully paid for and I now intend to intensify the pressure.”

Last year £69m was taken in tolls. Almost £15m went on operational costs, but just £1m was offered as a loan to Kent County Council in return for the congestion and pollution suffered by Dartford.

He added: “We intend to hold a series of campaigns to highlight the fact the tolls were meant to be scrapped two years ago. One idea is a convoy of vehicles decked with balloons and sounding their horns going over.

“Dartford continues to suffer problems from pollution and noise arising from motorists having to stop and pay each time they use the crossing.”

A Dartford Messenger campaign to get a portion of the toll fees returned to the town as cash, NOT a loan, has been warmly welcomed.

“We reckon central Government owes Kent County Council £25m, and it’s badly needed for local road improvement and public transport schemes,” said Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, the leader of KCC.

“I very much welcome the Messenger’s campaign – it’s so important for local people. We have been deeply frustrated by central Government.

"The agreement was that when the capital for the crossing had been paid off, money would be divided between the local authorities on both sides of the crossing – Kent and Essex.

“That was the firm promise, and we expected it to be honoured. We were staggered when the Government only offered us £1 million in the form of a loan. That was really outrageous.”

Sir Sandy added: “I am very grateful to the Dartford Messenger for its campaign. There is no question in my mind that we need the money urgently - all the Government has to do is write out the cheque.”

Gareth Johnson, the Conservative party spokesman for Dartford, said: “I certainly hope the Dartford Messenger is successful in its campaign.

“While I would prefer to see the toll scrapped altogether, the very least that should happen is for central Government to hand over money raised from tolls to spend on roads locally."

Dartford’s Labour MP, Dr Howard Stoate, said: “Transport ministers have made it clear the Government is more than ready to consider new funding applications from KCC for local transport schemes in this area. The ball is therefore firmly in KCC’s court.”

He added: “I understand a new bid for funding from the toll crossing revenues is going to be submitted by KCC to Government through the local transport plan in July. I am pleased KCC has finally acted, and I look forward to supporting the bid.”