The cost of crossing the Dartford Crossing will not go up while a planned discount scheme for local residents is being developed, says an MP.

Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate says the Government has re-affirmed its commitment to driving prices down for the crossing's neighbours.

A revised charging scheme for the crossing is due to be put in place, which will see the peak toll for cars increase from £1 to £1.50.

However, Dr Stoate said transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick announced yesterday the change will not be made while a local discount scheme is being developed.

Many people have been worried a new charging scheme would end up being introduced before any discount scheme was ready, says Dr Stoate.

He also says introducing a discount scheme is not a straightforward task and it takes time to work out the details.

A consultation into the details of the discount scheme will begin in Autumn.

Dr Stoate is pressing for a 90 per cent discount for Dartford residents.

He says: "Anything less than a 90 per cent discount for Dartford residents is unacceptable as far as I am concerned.

"Earlier this year, the then Transport Minister, Stephen Ladyman, said that they would get as close as possible to the 90 per cent figure that I was calling for, and I expect the Department for Transport to honour this commitment".