asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much additional funding is given by the Department for Transport to local authorities in the Dartford crossing area in recognition of the impact of the crossing on local transport infrastructure. [HL4697]

Since 2003, the Department for Transport has made available about £1.75 million to £2 million per year of additional funding to Thurrock Borough Council and Kent County Council. This is to help deliver local transport projects in recognition of the impact of the Dartford Crossing on local residents.

Ministers recently announced that local residents using the Dartford Crossing would be entitled to a discount. The discount scheme is likely to start in autumn 2008. When it begins, it will replace the additional funding.

The additional funding supplements the local transport block capital allocation for Thurrock Borough Council and Kent County Council, which in 2008-09 totalled £3.030 million and £36.905 million respectively.