DRIVERS are facing a double-whammy of price hikes at the Dartford Crossing and will pay a whopping £2.50 in less than two years.

Roads minister Mike Penning announced today that tolls would be put up by 50p in October for cars and light goods vehicles, and by £1.30 for HGVs.

Then in 2014, tolls will rocket to £2.50 for cars, £3 for light goods vehicles, and £6 for HGVs.

The rises are being brought in despite 82 per cent of people, who responded to a Government consultation, disagreeing with any increase in tolls.

Mr Penning said the hikes were needed to tackle congestion on the crossing.

FULL STORY IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO