TOLL booths at the Dartford Crossing could be replaced by hi-tech cameras similar to those used in London’s congestion charge zones.

Transport Minister Mike Penning has given his strongest indication yet that the barriers could go to speed traffic through the bottleneck.

But he said motorists would still have to pay to use the tunnel and bridge, and hinted at an electronic charging system similar to the congestion charge.

Mr Penning visited the crossing last week and during a Commons debate on the crossing said there was a “need to consider technology being used in other parts of the world”.

Mr Penning added: “We can remove the barriers and increase the speed at which traffic comes through while also picking up the revenue.”

The crossing brings in about £40million a year.

Jackie Doyle-Price, MP for Thurrock, has long campaigned for the tolls to be removed.

She said: “ I have been lobbying the Chancellor and transport ministers to cancel the sell-off and remove the tolls. Ministers believe the crossing is operating close to capacity and the tolls are necessary to manage the demand.”

Yash Gupta, Thurrock councillor for the environment, added: “Any improvement for reducing the congestion through the crossing will be welcome for all those who use it regularly.”