NORTH Kent residents could get a discount on the cost of using the Dartford Crossing, it was announced today.

The Government has agreed in principle to reductions, but has not outlined how much prices may fall by.

Detailed proposals will be published later in the year by the Department of Transport.

A public consultation into increases to the existing £1 cost of crossing the Thames received 10,730 responses.

Transport Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman said: "The Dartford Crossing has brought huge benefits over the years.

"But surrounding communities have borne the brunt of the added fumes and jams.

"We have registered the strong demand for local discounts expressed through the consultation and we accept in principle that there is a case for this."

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