Bexley Council is set to continue its efforts to secure extended resident discounts for the Dartford Crossing, despite recent tariff increases for all vehicles using the route. The council is aware that current charges are insufficient to manage demand at the crossing, which has grown by 7.5% in the last 11 years, resulting in an average of 150,000 vehicles now using the facility each day.
At a Council meeting on Wednesday 16 July 2025, Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE, Leader of the Council, reported on the increase in tariffs for all vehicles using the Dartford Crossing and reiterated her commitment to advocating for Bexley residents. She stated she would continue to press for the extension of resident discounts to Bexley residents,
as outlined in the Leader's Report.
The Dartford Crossing, a vital link for many Bexley residents, has seen the significant increase in demand. The government announced that tariffs would increase from 1 September 2025, with car drivers facing a maximum increase of £1 to £3.50 for one-off payments. Currently, resident discounts are restricted to those living in Dartford and Thurrock.
During the meeting, the Leader of the Council also presented a report on various other topics, including the government's spending review, support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and local recycling rates. These discussions, however, were separate from the focus on transport and the Dartford Crossing tariffs.