Drivers could be forced to pay as much as triple the amount in tolls across a popular crossing if the proposed Lower Thames Crossing is built using private finance, according to a transport analysis group.
Campaigners have warned that if the new crossing goes ahead with private finances, the Dartford Crossing could see its daily fees rise to £8.10, although no decision has been made on financing the Lower Thames Crossing.
The Transport Action Network claims that lorries could face charges of £14, compared to the current £2.50 fee for cars crossing the Thames at Dartford.
The analysis suggested that a privately financed £9.2billion tunnel between Essex and Kent would require significantly higher tolls to cover construction costs and debt financing.
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The Dartford Crossing carries around 50 million vehicles every yearPAUnder the proposed model, a private entity would collect revenue from both the existing Dartford Crossing and the new Lower Thames route.
Cars currently pay £2.50 to use the heavily congested Dartford Crossing, where M25 traffic passes under the Thames.
However,National Highways has dismissed the campaigners' analysis as "purely speculative" and "untrue".
A spokesperson said: "These numbers are untrue. As the planning application for the project made clear, charges will be applied at the same rate as the Dartford Crossing."
The Lower Thames Crossing is expected to take pressure off the Dartford CrossingNATIONAL HIGHWAYS The Government agency, which is leading the crossing project, stated it expects tolls to remain in line with present levels, adjusted for inflation.
The Transport Action Network's analysis, which is based on the Government's consideration of a public-private financing option, found that it would cost £9.4bn, including £6.3bn of private investment.
Under this model, a "regulated private entity" would pay for construction and then collect toll revenue from both crossings to recoup costs.
The Dartford Crossing currently generates £221.5million in tolls and penalty charges annually, with £134.9million in operating costs.
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Chris Todd, director of Transport Action Network, told the Guardian: "On even the cheapest PFI deal, the tolls at Dartford and on the new crossing will have to triple. That's a huge hit for the travelling public."
However, neither the Government nor National Highways has yet published detailed financial modelling for a privately financed toll scheme.
The Department for Transport declined to comment on the campaigners' claims about potential toll increases.
Business groups have welcomed the formal approval of the Lower Thames Crossing but warned that tolls must remain reasonable to avoid placing additional financial strain on operators.
The Lower Thames Crossing would connect to the A2 and M2 in KentNATIONAL HIGHWAYSDeclan Pang, policy director of the Road Haulage Association, described it as a "critical infrastructure project to ease congestion and improve freight journey reliability", but added that "it's essential that tolls are kept to a minimum to avoid placing further financial strain on hauliers and ensure the route is used effectively."
Natalie Chapman, head of public affairs at Logistics UK, called the crossing approval "excellent news" given traffic delays at Dartford.
She said: "Industry recognises that road charges are necessary to fund new infrastructure, but tolls need to be reasonable, as industry pays disproportionately more towards construction costs than private road users."
The Government is exploring private finance options for the Lower Thames Crossing after Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander granted formal approval in March following years of delays.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government was examining ways to privately finance what is described as Britain's biggest roadbuilding scheme.
The new crossing aims to provide an alternative route for cars and HGVs travelling to Channel ports via the M25 east of London, potentially easing congestion at the existing Dartford Crossing.
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