Latest news with #Dartford
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Dartford Crossing charge to rise by 40 per cent in September – check how much you'll now have to pay
THE Dartford Crossing is set to become more expensive to use in just a couple of months time. The crossing - which was known as the Dartford Tunnel until 1991 - is made up of two tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and carries a charge for many who use it. 3 Used by around 180,000 cars every day the cost of using the crossing will rise from £2.50 to £3.50 on September 1, marking the first price increase since 2014. Transport Secretary, Lilian Greenwood, explained the toll increase was necessary in order to manage the almost 200,000 vehicles that use it everyday. "I am aware that these necessary changes to the charges will be unwelcome news for users of the crossing," she said in a statement to parliament. "These traffic levels are well in excess of the crossing's design capacity, causing delays for drivers." Buses, coaches, vans and other commercial vehicles with two axles will pay up to £4.20 when the new fees kick in, while vehicles with more than two axles will have to pay up to £8.40. The Transport Minister promised "significant" discounts on the tolls for people living locally and car drivers with prepaid accounts. "I am aware that these necessary changes to the charges will be unwelcome news for users of the Crossing," Greenwood said in her stament. "I have been determined to keep the nominal fee paid by local people as low as possible, as many rely on the Crossing to get around their local area." She added that drivers who live in Dartford or Thurrock and who have signed up to the Scheme will pay £25 for unlimited annual crossings from September 1, which is a small increase from the current annual fee. Greenwood argued: "The new charges will be significantly lower than if they had increased in line with inflation since the tariff was last fully revised in 2014." Traffic chaos as 'protesters' climb bridge with warnings of huge delays during morning rush hour The charges at the Dartford Crossing vary depending on the type of vehicle being driven and if the driver already has an account set up on the website. The fees are often referred to as the Dart Charge. Since the tollbooths at the Dartford Crossing have been removed, the charge can be paid on the website. 3 Charges must be settled by midnight the day after crossing but can also be paid in advance. The government website can be used to pay the Dart Charge and to set up an account to make future payments easier and cheaper. Users can also use the service to pay or challenge a fine, as well as check which crossings they have paid for. 3
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Yahoo
Motorcyclist in serious condition after three-vehicle crash on A2 in Dartford
A man has been left in a serious condition after a three-vehicle crash on the A2 in Dartford. The incident happened on the A2 coastbound between junction two of the M25 and Old Bexley Lane at around 4.30pm on June 13. It involved a black Triumph motorcycle, and an orange KTM 360 before crashing into a green Mini Cooper. @bbcsoutheast A2 shut in both directions after Dartford Heath junction — Matt Hudson (@matthudson35) June 13, 2025 Officers attended and a motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, was taken to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition. Another rider, a man in his 30s, was also taken to hospital where his condition is stable. A spokesperson for Kent Police said: 'Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. 'Detectives are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the two motorcycles prior to the collision. 'Witnesses should contact the SCIU appeal line on 01622 798538 or email quoting XX/SC/040/25.'
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The south east London dads who deserve a mention this Father's Day
From heart-wrenching tributes to viral fame and record-breaking feats, this Father's Day we're looking back at the inspiring, emotional, and often uplifting stories of the incredible dads we've spoken to over the past year. Each of them, in their own way, shows the strength, love, and dedication that defines fatherhood. TikTok stardom for Dartford dad and daughter duo From tragedy to joy, Dartford dad Jed Storey and his daughter Chloe have been lighting up screens on TikTok with their heartwarming and hilarious videos. The duo's account, @dadandcloshow, has gained nearly 200,000 followers thanks to their brilliant bond and fun content. Jed told us: 'We never expected it to take off so quickly… it's been an amazing way to connect.' Jed and Chloe Storey (Image: Jed Storey/@dadandcloshow) A chicken-shaped walk for a local legend In one of our quirkiest stories, Stephen Sangster, a dad from Orpington, walked over 11km in the shape of a chicken to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Orpington Buff breed. 'It was an eggs-ercise in both fitness and creativity,' he joked, proving that even poultry-themed passion projects can be powered by pride, community, and a sense of humour. Stephen Sangster completed the walk in two hours (Image: Stephen Sangster) A father's grief turned into a call for change One of the most emotional stories came from Bora Bicakcim, the father of nine-year-old Ada, who tragically died after being hit by a bus in Bexleyheath. In the face of unimaginable pain, Bora shared his heartbreak with the News Shopper, describing the moment his world 'fractured beyond repair'. He told us: 'This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure… We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten.' Bora has since turned his grief into purpose, vowing to fight for change and raise awareness about the dangers of drug-driving. We think of Bora on his first Father's Day without Ada. Ada Bicakci was just nine-years-old when she was killed (Image: Family of Ada Bicacki) Beckenham dad goes the distance for a friend's daughter When Sam Wheeler from Beckenham heard his friend's daughter had been diagnosed with leukaemia, he didn't hesitate. The devoted dad will cycle more than 400km to Cornwall this August to raise money for Momentum Children's Charity – the same charity that's been supporting little Isla and her family since her diagnosis. Sam said the diagnosis came just a day after Isla had been at his house. Now, he's turning heartbreak into action. Sam is raising funds for Momentum Children's Charity (Image: Sam Wheeler) 500 miles across London – on foot Dave Thomas, a 64-year-old dad and retired NHS worker, took on a monumental challenge – running the entire London transport network. That's 12 Tube lines, the Overground, trams, DLR, and even the cable car – clocking up nearly 500 miles in just four months. Armed with selfies from every station and support from TfL, Dave is now waiting to hear if Guinness World Records will confirm his achievement. Dave Thomas (Image: SWNS) 35 years of community cuts and connections And finally, a special mention goes to Graham Norman, who has run The Crop Shop in Erith for 35 years with his wife Sharon and their five children. More than just a barber, Graham has been part of the local fabric since 1990 – cutting hair, making friends, and raising a family while keeping Erith looking sharp. Graham said: 'It's not just a barbers – it's part of the community. We've had generations of families come through the door.' The Crop Shop (Image: The Crop Shop) Happy Father's Day from all of us at the News Shopper.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Part of A2 in Kent closed eastbound after serious crash
Part of the A2 in Kent has been closed following a serious crash, National Highways has was held in both directions between the A2018 near Bexley and the M25 near Dartford shortly after 17:15 BST on road was reopened westbound with vehicles released past the scene shortly after 18:40, but motorists were told to expect eastbound road will remain closed for an investigation into the cause of the crash. National Highways said an air ambulance and other emergency services were at the Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service have been contacted for more information.
Asharq Al-Awsat
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Asharq Al-Awsat
UK's Sunniest Spring Yields Unusually Sweet Strawberries
British strawberry farmers say this year's record-breaking spring sunshine and warm days have yielded the cream of the crop, with a bigger and sweeter harvest than usual. Long periods of sun and cool nights provided "perfect" conditions for the strawberry harvest, according to James Miller from WB Chambers Farms. The dry and pleasant weather also boosted insect pollination, which further improves the quality and shape of the berries, Miller explained, according to AFP. "They're bigger and sweeter this year than we've seen in previous years," said Miller, the commercial director for one of the country's biggest berry producers. At one farm near Dartford in Kent, southeast England, rows of strawberry plants drooped with the weight of the gleaming red fruit housed in insulating polytunnels. As farmhands made their way meticulously down the semi-circular white tunnels, punnets were filled with ripe strawberries -- some the size of small fists. The weather has resulted in "super berry size and super flavor," said Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, which represents most of the UK's soft fruit farms. "I've been in the berry industry for 30 years and this is one of the best springs I've ever seen, in terms of both the weather and also the crop," Marston told AFP. This year Britain experienced the warmest spring in terms of mean temperatures since records began in 1884, the Met Office announced this week. It was also the second-sunniest and the driest spring in over a century for England, known for its damp climate. Southeast England received only 30-50 percent of its average spring rainfall, according to the Met Office, raising fears of drought for many farmers. Human-induced climate change is driving longer-lasting, more intense and more frequent droughts, heatwaves and other extreme weather events. To conserve water, the WB Chambers farm in Dartford uses drip irrigation -- which involves water slowly trickling to the roots of the plant through a controlled pipe. "We've reduced our water usage for growing strawberries quite significantly," Miller told AFP. "So I hope we're in a better place than others." According to Marston, British producers have already sold nearly 21,600 tons of strawberries -- 5,000 tons more than by the same time last year, when the country experienced an overcast spring. This is in part due to warmer conditions yielding an earlier crop than usual, with large and juicy strawberries hitting the shelves in April, rather than May. But it is also due to a rise in demand when the sun comes out, said Miller, with consumers hankering for British summer classics like strawberries and cream. "The sun is our biggest salesman in the UK," said Miller. "When the sun picks up, then the demand picks up."
