A PRESSURE group representing small businesses wants assurances any future operator of the Dartford Crossing is not given freedom to raise its controversial tolls.

In his budget last month, chancellor Alistair Darling confirmed plans to sell the crossing this summer to raise money for the Treasury.

Businesses fear a private owner would increase the bridge’s tolls, which for a car is currently £1.50 for standard fare and £1 with a Dart-tag discount.

The north Kent branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which has 1,800 members, wants any sale of the crossing to come with controls on the level of tolls.

They will be able to quiz the parliamentary candidates for Gravesham about their policies on the crossing tomorrow evening at North West Kent College, Dering Way, Gravesend.

Candidates for Dartford will face similar questions on April 22 at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford.

Chairman of the FSB’s north Kent branch Debasish Sen said: “The FSB is very concerned at the impact (the planned sale) will have on the many thousands of businesses which need to use the crossing each day.

“If sell off does happen then the FSB believes it is vital that the sale contract includes strict controls on the level of tolls that can be applied and certainly would not want to see the new owners given carte blanche to raise tolls even higher than the current levels.”

The group is also calling for the current method of paying at toll booths to be scrapped and replaced with a vehicle number plate recognition system.

Mr Sen said: “In other countries there are tolls on some of their motorways and these are monitored by number plate recognition.

“The charge may be paid on the phone or at convenience stores, garages, post offices and online.

“A similar system at Dartford would ease the current lengthy delays at the crossing and help traffic flow more easily in both directions.”