CASH raised from increased tolls at the Dartford Crossing won’t now solely be used to pay for improvements or a new crossing at the notorious congestion hotspot.

Road minister Mike Penning had said the price hikes of 50p to £2 for cars in 2011 and up to £2.50 in 2012 would be ring-fenced, but now the money will go to other transport improvements.

Mr Penning said the toll money would still be used at the crossing to introduce free-flowing tolls, but said the money generated would be much more than was needed for that.

He said: “What is the point of ring-fencing something when I need more money?

“This is not owned by Essex and Kent and I know feelings are strong, but this is a piece of national infrastructure.”

Thurrock Council’s Labour leader John Kent is outraged by the minister’s comments, and says a discount given to residents could also be under threat.

He said: “There appears to be a lot of back-tracking from ministers on this. There is no way the tolls should be increased, and to now learn ministers intend to use the extra revenue for improvements around the country is simply unacceptable.

“Anybody who lives in Thurrock knows the hassle created by the terrible congestion around the crossing and junction 30 to 31 of the M25.

“This extra revenue should be used to increase capacity at the crossing, not as a slush fund for ministers’ pet projects.”

Thurrock residents receive a big discount and are able to cross the Thames for 20p, but Mr Kent added: “Correspondence with the minister has shown the residents’ discount is in danger.

“I have a letter from the Government which says it is consulting on the future of this, again.”

The Dartford Tunnel and Queen Elizabeth II bridge carry about 150,000 vehicles each day.