Essex hauliers raise concerns over Dartford Crossing price rise

Fees to use the crossing, used by up to 180,000 vehicles a day, were last increased in 2014.

Mr Stonebrook said his fleet of 15 drivers each used the route three times a day, costing him as much as £90,000 a year.

“There’s no way we can get around Dartford, it is the most important road for us,” said the businessman, who is based in North Ockendon.

But he stressed the revised charge would spike his annual cost to between £125,000 and £145,000.

“That sort of money we can’t afford to just swallow up, so we will have to pass those costs on eventually to clients,” Mr Stonebrook added.

“It affects everyday people because everyone will eventually put prices up and the price of goods nationwide will just go up.”