Written question asked by Viscount Simon (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Attlee (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 November 2010.

Roads: Dartford Crossing

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what has been the effect on emissions of the increase in toll charge at the Dartford Crossing.

Answer: No specific assessment of the impact on emissions following the November 2008 increase in the road user charge at the Dartford/Thurrock river crossing has been undertaken. The Highways Agency undertakes workplace exposure surveys to ascertain background concentrations of emissions during the normal working day. The results are measured against Health and Safety Executive workplace exposure limits and other European exposure limits. Under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, Dartford Borough Council and Thurrock Council operate air quality management areas on the A282 adjacent to the crossing. These results can be found on the www.dartford.gov.uk and www.thurrock.gov.uk websites.

Secondary information