Motorists slapped with new road charges today as Dartford Crossing hikes costs for first time in 11 years

Under the new changes, from today, drivers will be forced to pay £3.50 for one-off payments, marking an increase from £2.50.

Regular account holders will see their fees increase from £2 to £2.80, with the increase hoping to discourage vehicles from using the crossing.

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Data shows demand at the Dartford Crossing has grown 7.5 per cent, with the route now used by an average of over 150,000 vehicles every day and up to 180,000 vehicles on the busiest days.

Drivers of buses, coaches, vans and other goods vehicles with two axles pay £4.20 from today, up from £3.60.

However, any of these larger vehicles with more than two axles will have to pay £8.40. Motorcycles and mopeds using the crossing will still be able to pass for free.

Future for Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: "I am aware that these necessary changes to the charges will be unwelcome news for users of the crossing."

The Labour MP for Nottingham South noted that the Government will continue to support people through the local resident discount scheme, stating her intention to keep the nominal fee paid by local people "as low as possible, as many rely on the crossing to get around their local area".

As part of the changes, drivers living in Dartford or Thurrock who have signed up to the scheme will pay £25 for unlimited annual crossings.

The Government said several existing exemptions would be maintained, with journeys between 10pm and 6am remaining free.

The Dartford Crossing is one of the most important road crossings over the River Thames, carrying the A282 road between Dartford in Kent and Thurrock in Essex.

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Before the changes came into effect, many groups and local councils raised objections to the hike, citing the impact on residents.

Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, warned that some drivers have no choice but to use the Dartford Crossing, with drivers facing extra charges in London if they do not meet Ulez emissions standards. Similar additional charges can be seen at the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.

Ms Kemkaran warned: "Our residents still remember that the toll was meant to end when the infrastructure was paid for, but changes in policy mean the charge has continued indefinitely.

"Effectively another tax for making journeys to work, visiting friends and family, and spending hard-earned money at local resorts and attractions."

Meanwhile, Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden expressed his frustration over the charge increasing, questioning how Labour can be "possibly justifiable at the moment".

"If the Minister wants to try and justify that they should have the backbone to do it on the floor of the House of Commons, where they can be questioned on it," the Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay said.

James Barwise, Policy Lead at the RHA, had previously welcomed the Lower Thames Crossing decision, which would boost transport links across the South East, but warned that the spike in road charging would create a "financially challenging time" for many businesses.

He said: "Given project delays to date, Dartford remains the only practical Thames crossing for HGVs and coaches in the South-East.

"It's therefore regrettable that the charge increase has been so significant. This adds to running costs for many businesses in our sector (HGVs, coaches and vans) and ultimately pushes up prices for consumers."