People living in Dartford will soon be able to use the Crossing as many times as they like – and all for just £20 a year.

At the moment, residents of Dartford and Thurrock are entitled to 50 free trips across the water for £10 a year, with extra journeys costing 20p each.

The government is now adding a second option where people can pay £20 a year for unlimited trips.

Not only will it be cheaper but van drivers will also be included in the scheme. From March 2014, anyone who lives in Dartford and owns a privately-registered two-axle vehicle weighing less than 3.5 tonnes can register.

Renewals will also be easier – residents will only have to re-register every two years instead of annually.

The changes announced by the Department for Transport come after a review of the Dartford Crossing Local Resident Discount Scheme. They are expected to come in from next month, if not before.

In a letter to Dartford MP Gareth Johnson, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We believe that these improvements represent an attractive package to local residents and small businesses with privately registered vehicles.”