To ask Her Majesty's Government on which sections of the Olympic route network between Heathrow airport and Stratford they expect to introduce special lanes for accredited Olympic Games vehicles; and what effect they will have on overall traffic flows.

To ask Her Majesty's Government on which sections of the Olympic route network between Heathrow airport and Stratford they expect to introduce special lanes for accredited Olympic Games vehicles; and what effect they will have on overall traffic flows.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they made of the effects of lowering the drink-drive limit when they published their consultation paper Combating Drink Driving: Next Steps in 1998.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they made of the effects of lowering the drink-drive limit when they published their consultation paper Combating Drink Driving: Next Steps in 1998.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assess the number of drivers with blood alcohol content of between 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres and 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres; and when any results will be published.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assess the number of drivers with blood alcohol content of between 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres and 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres; and when any results will be published.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to encourage the police to increase the numbers of mobile traffic patrols on main roads.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to encourage the police to increase the numbers of mobile traffic patrols on main roads.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many children have been (a) killed and (b) seriously injured in road accidents when they were passengers in taxis in each of the last 10 years; and how many of those children in each case were not wearing seat belts or...

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many children have been (a) killed and (b) seriously injured in road accidents when they were passengers in taxis in each of the last 10 years; and how many of those children in each case were not wearing seat belts or...

To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 11 December (WA 9–10), whether they recommend that local authorities follow the same policies in respect of their street lighting, or whether they intend to issue guidance to local authorities in this matter.

To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 11 December (WA 9–10), whether they recommend that local authorities follow the same policies in respect of their street lighting, or whether they intend to issue guidance to local authorities in this matter.

I have given way to the hon. Gentleman already, and I would like to make some progress. We have heard about the lack of ring-fenced funding and the fact that the £1.75 million that had been ring-fenced for certain areas is now to be spread across the country. The Government...

I have given way to the hon. Gentleman already, and I would like to make some progress. We have heard about the lack of ring-fenced funding and the fact that the £1.75 million that had been ring-fenced for certain areas is now to be spread across the country. The Government...

I congratulate the hon. Member for Hornchurch (James Brokenshire) on securing this debate. As all hon. Members in the Chamber are aware, the Dartford crossing is a vital part of our strategic road network and brings huge benefits to users. However, its success has created some real challenges over the...

I congratulate the hon. Member for Hornchurch (James Brokenshire) on securing this debate. As all hon. Members in the Chamber are aware, the Dartford crossing is a vital part of our strategic road network and brings huge benefits to users. However, its success has created some real challenges over the...

Will the Minister give way?

Will the Minister give way?

Let me just say this before I give way: I noted that several Members said that the tolls are creating congestion. I want to deal with that matter, and the effect that removing the tolls would have.

Let me just say this before I give way: I noted that several Members said that the tolls are creating congestion. I want to deal with that matter, and the effect that removing the tolls would have.

Like my hon. Friend, I have been stuck in the traffic there. Creative ways around that could be thought of, and I know that the FSB has advocated the overhead camera technology used in the London congestion charge. That or other technology could be used more creatively to allow the...

Like my hon. Friend, I have been stuck in the traffic there. Creative ways around that could be thought of, and I know that the FSB has advocated the overhead camera technology used in the London congestion charge. That or other technology could be used more creatively to allow the...

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

I wish to mention two issues briefly. What about the promise that the tolls would be abolished once the costs had been recovered? Secondly, there is little doubt that the increase in the tolls has created greater congestion. I use that tunnel crossing many times each week, and the increase...

I wish to mention two issues briefly. What about the promise that the tolls would be abolished once the costs had been recovered? Secondly, there is little doubt that the increase in the tolls has created greater congestion. I use that tunnel crossing many times each week, and the increase...

I will come to the issue of the charges that were put in place as of 15 November—four weeks ago. On the position once the bridge had been paid for through the toll, the hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, but would it have been possible in the 1980s to predict...

I will come to the issue of the charges that were put in place as of 15 November—four weeks ago. On the position once the bridge had been paid for through the toll, the hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, but would it have been possible in the 1980s to predict...

The hon. Gentleman is being most generous in giving way. In fact, the removal of the tolls when the bridge was paid for was included in the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988 itself. It was a very strong promise. The hon. Gentleman will have received information from the Federation of Small...

The hon. Gentleman is being most generous in giving way. In fact, the removal of the tolls when the bridge was paid for was included in the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988 itself. It was a very strong promise. The hon. Gentleman will have received information from the Federation of Small...

We will need to hear from the Minister on that point, but certainly the anecdotal evidence is that congestion at the toll booths has got worse, not better, as drivers scrabble around to find the correct change. I was recently told a story about a driver who was struggling to...

We will need to hear from the Minister on that point, but certainly the anecdotal evidence is that congestion at the toll booths has got worse, not better, as drivers scrabble around to find the correct change. I was recently told a story about a driver who was struggling to...

My hon. Friend will be well aware that I have campaigned for quite some time to get the Government to reconsider the matter. He is making a powerful point about how they have reneged on the understanding that the tolls would be removed when the bridge had been paid for....

My hon. Friend will be well aware that I have campaigned for quite some time to get the Government to reconsider the matter. He is making a powerful point about how they have reneged on the understanding that the tolls would be removed when the bridge had been paid for....

My hon. Friend points out about the need for basic fairness, in which I believe equally. When considering the charges levied, it is relevant that rather than increase, traffic levels at the crossing have actually fallen in recent years. According to information published on the Highways Agency's website, the total...

My hon. Friend points out about the need for basic fairness, in which I believe equally. When considering the charges levied, it is relevant that rather than increase, traffic levels at the crossing have actually fallen in recent years. According to information published on the Highways Agency's website, the total...

I do not speak on behalf of my party on transport issues, so unfortunately I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the answer that he seeks. What we need to hear is the Minister's answer, because it has been difficult to understand what is the Government's position on this issue moving...

I do not speak on behalf of my party on transport issues, so unfortunately I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the answer that he seeks. What we need to hear is the Minister's answer, because it has been difficult to understand what is the Government's position on this issue moving...

In a letter to me of 22 May 2008, the then Minister of State at the Department for Transport, the right hon. Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton), confirmed to me that the intention had been to remove the tolls that we were discussing before we crossed from one half...

In a letter to me of 22 May 2008, the then Minister of State at the Department for Transport, the right hon. Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton), confirmed to me that the intention had been to remove the tolls that we were discussing before we crossed from one half...

The hon. Gentleman makes a valid point about the use of the £1.75 million that was previously available, which seems to have been traded away for the local discount concession. As I shall go on to explain, I am not sure that a particularly fair trade-off is being created. On...

The hon. Gentleman makes a valid point about the use of the £1.75 million that was previously available, which seems to have been traded away for the local discount concession. As I shall go on to explain, I am not sure that a particularly fair trade-off is being created. On...

My constituency is Dartford, as the hon. Gentleman knows, but I am not at all in favour of the increased charges, which is why I proposed a reduction for local residents. However, will he clarify one point? He mentioned that the tolls should have been free once the bridge had...

My constituency is Dartford, as the hon. Gentleman knows, but I am not at all in favour of the increased charges, which is why I proposed a reduction for local residents. However, will he clarify one point? He mentioned that the tolls should have been free once the bridge had...

My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. That problem is shared by my constituents in the London borough of Havering, many of whom live closer to the crossing than some residents who receive the benefit.

My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. That problem is shared by my constituents in the London borough of Havering, many of whom live closer to the crossing than some residents who receive the benefit.

The hon. Gentleman will know that many of my constituents live much closer to the Dartford crossing than many of the residents of Thurrock or Dartford. Is he aware that until recently, when the discount scheme was introduced, Dartford was receiving, through Kent county council, £1 million a year, and...

The hon. Gentleman will know that many of my constituents live much closer to the Dartford crossing than many of the residents of Thurrock or Dartford. Is he aware that until recently, when the discount scheme was introduced, Dartford was receiving, through Kent county council, £1 million a year, and...

The tax money will have come from somewhere if the toll is taken away. Obviously I would like that to happen, but my main concern is the crazy operations management. Why should people from Gravesham or any of the other constituencies represented in the debate have to spend minutes, or...

The tax money will have come from somewhere if the toll is taken away. Obviously I would like that to happen, but my main concern is the crazy operations management. Why should people from Gravesham or any of the other constituencies represented in the debate have to spend minutes, or...

I am grateful for this opportunity to discuss the new charging arrangements at the Dartford river crossing, particularly the recent increases. This subject is very relevant to my current constituents in Hornchurch and those whom I hope to represent, after the next general election, in Old Bexley and Sidcup. As...

I am grateful for this opportunity to discuss the new charging arrangements at the Dartford river crossing, particularly the recent increases. This subject is very relevant to my current constituents in Hornchurch and those whom I hope to represent, after the next general election, in Old Bexley and Sidcup. As...

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate. Does he understand the frustration of my constituents that although Essex helped to pay for the original Dartford tunnel, which was constructed in the 1960s, out of local taxation, local residents are still paying bills? My correspondence with the Government has...

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate. Does he understand the frustration of my constituents that although Essex helped to pay for the original Dartford tunnel, which was constructed in the 1960s, out of local taxation, local residents are still paying bills? My correspondence with the Government has...

My hon. Friend makes some relevant points on which I shall expand in my comments. His point about profit is quite relevant because the annual profit since the point at which the costs of the bridge had been paid off has been between £47 million and £52 million. Up until...

My hon. Friend makes some relevant points on which I shall expand in my comments. His point about profit is quite relevant because the annual profit since the point at which the costs of the bridge had been paid off has been between £47 million and £52 million. Up until...

Was not it a principle of the original tolling charge that everyone paid the same? It is outrageous that my constituents in Swanley should pay an increased charge while those who live in Dartford and Thurrock, which happen to be Labour marginal areas, have most of their journeys completely free.

Was not it a principle of the original tolling charge that everyone paid the same? It is outrageous that my constituents in Swanley should pay an increased charge while those who live in Dartford and Thurrock, which happen to be Labour marginal areas, have most of their journeys completely free.

Will the Minister give way?

Will the Minister give way?

One thing I can certainly agree with is that my hon. Friends the Members for Thurrock (Andrew Mackinlay) and for Dartford have been the most consistent in arguing their case. In part, that resulted in the discussions that followed and the consultations with residents which led to the residents' scheme...

One thing I can certainly agree with is that my hon. Friends the Members for Thurrock (Andrew Mackinlay) and for Dartford have been the most consistent in arguing their case. In part, that resulted in the discussions that followed and the consultations with residents which led to the residents' scheme...

I hope that the Minister will acknowledge to the Chamber that, under European directives, riparian crossings can be tolled only if they diminish congestion. That is the only mandate; otherwise, tolls are unlawful. If the present congestion were to endure, presumably the Ministry would have to accommodate that or not...

I hope that the Minister will acknowledge to the Chamber that, under European directives, riparian crossings can be tolled only if they diminish congestion. That is the only mandate; otherwise, tolls are unlawful. If the present congestion were to endure, presumably the Ministry would have to accommodate that or not...

I am grateful. Did the Minister—

I am grateful. Did the Minister—

No, I have been very generous in giving way. Let me deal with one further point relating to the future. It would be wrong for us as a Government to bury our heads in the sand in respect of congestion on the Dartford crossing or wherever. That is why I am...

No, I have been very generous in giving way. Let me deal with one further point relating to the future. It would be wrong for us as a Government to bury our heads in the sand in respect of congestion on the Dartford crossing or wherever. That is why I am...

Will he give way?

Will he give way?

If there are to be road tolls, let us introduce them honestly across the whole country and let everybody pay the same.

If there are to be road tolls, let us introduce them honestly across the whole country and let everybody pay the same.

When the Transport Bill was going through Parliament, the hon. Member for Thurrock and I were assured by the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, which was responsible, that although this was a congestion charge the revenue that arose from it would be used for investment in local transport...

When the Transport Bill was going through Parliament, the hon. Member for Thurrock and I were assured by the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, which was responsible, that although this was a congestion charge the revenue that arose from it would be used for investment in local transport...

With due respect, the hon. Gentleman and, unfortunately, others seem to assume that the road is used by local people only, but it is not. In the first few paragraphs that I had a chance to deliver, I said that it is part of the strategic road network. The hon....

With due respect, the hon. Gentleman and, unfortunately, others seem to assume that the road is used by local people only, but it is not. In the first few paragraphs that I had a chance to deliver, I said that it is part of the strategic road network. The hon....

The Minister may recall that I raised the matter in a speech in this House about seven years ago, and that I have campaigned on it ever since. Why should the people of Essex and north Kent be discriminated against? Why should they be singled out from all the people...

The Minister may recall that I raised the matter in a speech in this House about seven years ago, and that I have campaigned on it ever since. Why should the people of Essex and north Kent be discriminated against? Why should they be singled out from all the people...

I will give way once more but I want to be able to put answers to the questions on the record.

I will give way once more but I want to be able to put answers to the questions on the record.

Will the Minister give way?

Will the Minister give way?

Report of the independent reviewer: Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007. 55 p.

Report of the independent reviewer: Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007. 55 p.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many reported deaths there were in (a) the East Riding of Yorkshire, (b) South Yorkshire, (c) North Yorkshire and (d) West Yorkshire as a result of traffic accidents in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a...

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many reported deaths there were in (a) the East Riding of Yorkshire, (b) South Yorkshire, (c) North Yorkshire and (d) West Yorkshire as a result of traffic accidents in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a...

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage local authorities (a) to explore options to reduce the hours of operation of street lights; and (b) to measure the consequential impact on carbon dioxide emissions.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage local authorities (a) to explore options to reduce the hours of operation of street lights; and (b) to measure the consequential impact on carbon dioxide emissions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on the improvement of road transport links between Wales and London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on the improvement of road transport links between Wales and London.

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the Dartford river crossing tolls.

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the Dartford river crossing tolls.