Government officials have hinted that toll charges at the Dartford Bridge could be lifted when Essex roads become too congested.
MPs from across the county met with the Secretary of State for Transport on Wednesday where he hinted tolls maybe lifted at peak times to ease congestion.
The Highways Agency are also looking into new tolling systems including licence plate recognition to improve traffic flow at the crossing that is infamous as a bottleneck for traffic in the county.
The Dartford Crossing, which links Essex and Kent across the River Thames, carries nearly 150,000 vehicles a day.
Toll charges had originally been brought in at the crossing to cover construction costs but have remained since those were met in 2003 and were increased two years ago from £1 to £1.50 for a car crossing causing public outrage.
After the meeting roads minister Mike Penning said: "The Secretary of State for Transport and I had a constructive meeting today with local and interested MPs to discuss the Dartford/Thurrock River Crossing.
"Our preferred option is the use of newer technology to allow free-flow charging and we have asked the Highways Agency to work up proposals as a matter of urgency.
"However, we are also willing to consider the possibility of lifting the barriers when congestion is particularly severe.”
MP John Baron added: “This was a constructive meeting, but we made clear the frustration felt by many of our constituents when it comes to the unnecessary congestion at the Dartford Crossing. We need better technology to ensure that traffic flows freely. We have been assured that the Government will now urgently explore this idea.”
“As an interim measure, we have also put the case for the lifting of the tolls when there is congestion in order to ease traffic flow – again the Secretary of State is now exploring this option. We also need an earlier warning system on the A127 to help constituents with their journey.”
The crossing is toll free between 10pm to 6am.