To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the possible impact of increased tolls on the Dartford Crossing on (a) the proposed toll regime for the Thames Gateway Bridge and (b) traffic projections and forecasts for the bridge. (100644)

The existing Dartford Crossing and the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge serve significantly different purposes. The Dartford Crossing mainly serves long-distance strategic traffic, whereas the Thames Gateway Bridge is intended mainly for journeys of a local nature. Modelling and analysis suggests that there would be very little interaction between the two.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether (a) the Mayor of London and (b) Transport for London was consulted prior to his recent announcement regarding a proposed increase in the Dartford Tunnel tolls. (100645)

The Government announced on 19 November 2006 that they would be consulting on proposed changes to the charging regime at the Dartford-Thurrock river crossings. The announcement stated that the consultation would be launched in December. It will be through this process that we take the views of the Mayor of London and Transport for London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will re-open the public inquiry on the Thames Gateway Bridge following his announcement of possible changes to the tolling regime for the Dartford Crossing. (100646)

The Secretary of State would only consider re-opening a public inquiry where significant new evidence has come to light. In this case, modelling and analysis has suggested that there would be little interaction between the usage of the existing Dartford crossing and the Thames Gateway bridge.