BARRIERS at the Dartford Crossing are set to be removed by the end of next year, according to Roads Minister Mike Penning.

Mr Penning also revealed the barriers will be lifted and charges removed when congestion is at its most severe by the end of 2011.

The announcement is the first time Mr Penning has set out a timeline on tackling congestion at the QE2 Bridge, which often brings Thurrock roads to gridlock.

Mr Penning told the Gazette: “Reducing congestion at the Dartford Crossing is an absolute priority. The proposed increase in charges will allow us to invest in short, medium and long-term improvements.

“These include from later this year removing charges to aid traffic flow when congestion is most severe, introducing free flow charging in 2012 to improve efficiency and exploring a new additional crossing.”

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price recently challenged Mr Penning to tackle the problem.

She said: “The Minister had pledged the tolls would be lifted at times of severe delay, but to date the tolls have been lifted on only one occasion, on August 6, 2010, when a lorry fire caused the closure of the QE2 bridge.

“The congestion experienced in November following the closure of the QE2 Bridge in high winds caused misery for Thurrock’s road users and huge delays for even very short journeys.

“When the bridge is closed, tolls should be lifted immediately. I am demanding to know how bad it has to get before the barriers are lifted. The Government needs to get a move on. The removal of the barriers cannot happen quickly enough.”

Cllr John Kent, Labour leader of Thurrock Counci,l added: “If this is true, then it is welcome news and something we in Thurrock have been seeking for many years. It’s not the complete answer, but it is a start.

“However, I am cautious about this. When the Government announced rises in the tolls they promised the money would be ring-fenced to crossing improvements and they’ve gone back on their word there.”