A minister and fellow Labour MP have joined forces to campaign against the Government on the controversial increases to the Dartford River Crossing charges.

Junior Local Government Minister Angela Smith and Thurrock MP Andrew MacKinlay want Thurrock residents to get a 90 per cent discount, so they would pay just 15p.

The Government is proposing to raise the day- time charge from £1 to £1.50 which is going through a public consultation.

The proposals also suggest making no charge between 10pm and 6am for any vehicle using the Dartford crossings.

In a bid to rally support, the pair will send post cards to residents in the New Year.

Mrs Smith said: "The proposals put an unfair tax on those Thurrock and Dartford residents who use the crossing every day and who were not excepting such a price rise.

"I am arguing strongly that residents should get a discount of 90 per cent on the new fares, which could be easily administered through the Dart-tag scheme.

"Andrew MacKinlay and I will be encouraging local people to respond to the consultation document in support of this reduction and we will take the case to the Transport Minister."

Mr MacKinlay has branded the planned hike in the tolls as indefensible.

He said: "We need as many people as possible to join this campaign, fill in the post cards, and send them back to us so Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman can see the strength of feeling in Thurrock."

A 12-week consultation on the Government's proposals for changes at the Dartford River Crossing has been published.

Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "I strongly encourage anyone who would like to express a view on our proposals to use this consultation as their opportunity to do so."

Mr MacKinlay and Mrs Smith will also be seeking cross-party support from Tory controlled Thurrock Council.