The Dartford Crossing charge is increasing - despite promises the bridge would become free after the cost of building it was covered.

The increase will only apply to car drivers with pre-paid accounts.

Currently, a prepaid crossing for car, motorhomes and small minibuses costs £1.67,

However from October 1 this will increase to £2.

All other rates will remain unaffected.

A Highways England spokesperson said: “More than a million people are eligible to save money on every crossing at Dartford after having signed up to the Dart Charge pre-pay account.

“With over 55 million vehicles travelling over Dartford Crossing every year, there is an ongoing need to manage increasing demand at the crossing.

"After nine years of operating a 33 per cent discount for cars, the Department for Transport has reviewed how fairly the benefits to account holders are spread across different vehicle types and have aligned the Class B rate more closely to Classes C and D.

“From 1 October 2018 the new discounted rate for Class B vehicles at the Dartford Crossing will be £2.00, that’s a 20 per cent reduction on the standard rate.

"All other rates will be unaffected by this change.”