The Secretary of State for Transport gives notice of the variation of the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2013 (“the 2013 Order”) which established the free-flow road user charging scheme (without toll barriers) at the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing. The A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) (Amendment) Order 2020 was made on 6/02/2020 in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 163(3)(d), 167(1)(a) and (2)(a), 168(1) and (2) and 171(1)(e) of the Transport Act 2000 and establishes that the free-flowing road user charge scheme remains in force indefinitely commencing from 28/02/2020.

The 2013 Order established a free-flow road user charging scheme on what is commonly known as the Dartford Crossing, a trunk road of approximately 5.5 miles in length, comprising a southbound bridge and two northbound tunnels carrying the A282 road between Dartford in Kent (south) and Thurrock in Essex (north). The current charge to use the crossing, which in 2003 replaced the previous toll, exists to manage traffic demand on a crossing where traffic exceeds capacity.

The Department for Transport received 174 written representations following the publication of the draft Order on 5/09/2019. After having read and considered all representations, and taken into account the need to manage traffic demand, the Secretary of State decided to make the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) (Amendment) Order 2020.

The 2020 Order varies the 2013 Order such that the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme remains in force indefinitely.

Copies of the following documents are available for inspection:

• This notice, which provides the general nature and effect of the variation order;

• The A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2013;

• The A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) (Amendment) Order 2020

They may be inspected free of charge during office hours from the date of this notice until 19/03/2020, at Visitors Reception, Connect Plus Services Dartford Depot, Crossing Offices, South Orbital Road, Dartford DA1 5PR.