To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what basis it was decided which local areas to include in her consultation on the Dartford river crossing local discount scheme; if she will include Castle Point residents in that consultation; when the consultation will begin and end; whether the consultation will include public meetings; and how the consultation will be conducted. (179249)

[holding answer 22 January 2008]: A consultation on a discount scheme for local residents will be announced shortly and our detailed proposals wilt be set out in that document.

We have no plans to hold public meetings but the consultation document will be widely available via our website, and we will welcome responses from all interested parties regardless of where they live.