A petition lobbying the government to ensure Medway residents do not have to pay crossing fees for the proposed new Lower Thames Crossing has been launched.

The online form, created by Labour councillor Andy Stamp, went live this week as the party upped its campaign for the Towns' residents to be exempt from toll charges.

Plans published so far by Highways England – the government wing in charge of carrying out the £6.8 billion scheme – say Gravesham residents will be eligible for a discount.

Cllr Stamp, who is Labour's opposition spokesman for regeneration and communities, said last week Medway's residents and business owners should not have to pay to use the tunnel which will be located east of Gravesend, near Shorne.

The petition is calling on the Secretary of State for Transport and Highways England to drop charges which are "not fair" on Medway residents.

Cllr Stamp said: "The proposed crossing is located really close to Medway. This means that Medway residents and businesses will be using the crossing frequently, particularly for daily work commutes and transporting goods.

"It is vital that this development works in the best interest of the surrounding community. I urge anyone who agrees to sign the petition. Let’s send the loudest message that Medway residents deserve a fair deal."

The controversial project has been redrafted following public consultations but the latest designs and process was slammed by opponents as a "flawed" .

Some 28,000 people responded to a public consultation in 2018 with the results of those plans for the 14.3-mile tunnel published in June .

The petition has so far been signed by more than 210 people.

View and sign the petition at bit.ly/2Dolncc

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend

Read more: All the latest news from Medway