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Operators based near the Dartford crossing in Kent have called for proposed discounted tolls that have been offered to local residents be extended to include businesses. Transport minister Rosie Winterton last week revealed plans to allow residents of Dartford and Thurrock to pay an annual £10 registration fee and get 50 journeys. After that they will have to pay 20p per trip. However the concession does not extend to businesses. David Salter, director at Purfleet-based Atlas  Freight, says he sends trucks over the crossing every day. "As with everything else, all we seem to end up doing is paying. I'm sure a discount would benefit local businesses far more than local residents."

Bill Brown, director at Purfleet-based Brocks Haulage, says residents are unlikely to use the crossing on a regular basis because of the congestion, however businesses have to use it. "If the government can afford to offer discounts to local residents, surely it would make more sense to cut the costs of the tolls for all users, particularly businesses that have to use the crossing and would benefit most from lower costs." The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has gone one step further and called for the tolls to be scrapped.

Director of external affairs Geoff Dossetter says that since the construction costs of the crossing  have been covered there is no need to charge motorists and create poor air quality by forcing vehicles to slow down or queue. The consultation on these arrangements will begin this week and, subject to the outcome, the system is expected to start in the autumn. Winterton says: "The Dartford-Thurrock crossing is a vital transport link for national and South East economies, which have brought huge economic benefits and opportunities.

"In December 2006 we consulted on changes to the charging regime for the crossing. Local people made a strong case for a discount as a result of the impact the crossing has on local traffic and air quality and we have listened."