Alternative Thames crossing needed to Blackwall tunnel during Olympics, says mayor
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has asked the government to suspend the Dartford Crossing charge during the 2012 Olympic Games.
He said he was concerned that any increase in the toll would mean drivers would shift to the busy Blackwall Tunnel, which is free, during the Olympics. The proposed increase to the Dartford crossing toll should at least be postponed to after the games, the mayor said.
“During the Olympic Games we are going to need businesses and Londoners to consider alternative ways of working or travelling. And heading for the Dartford Crossing will become a major consideration for drivers in the east of the city,” he said.
“That is why I have asked the government to give serious thought to delaying its proposed increase or even better suspending the charge to use the crossing during the Olympics. It would be a very considerate act that would be greatly appreciated during the games.”
In his letter to the government, the mayor also welcomed the proposal to suspend charging when there are long queues waiting to use the crossing. But he suggested that the proposal be amended so that a suspension of the toll is triggered at a lower length of queue.
The mayor also welcomed the government’s desire to increase the capacity of the Dartford Crossing saying that Transport for London (TfL) would be keen to work with the government to improve Thames crossings around the capital.
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