Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988

4 (1) This paragraph applies where on any date on which apart from this paragraph the period during which the person appointed may levy tolls would come to an end by virtue of paragraph 2 above (“the early termination date”) there is in force a contract between the Secretary of State and the person appointed providing for the levy of tolls by that person during an additional period (“the toll extension period”) of not more than twelve months beginning with the date immediately following the early termination date and ending not later than the end of the maximum toll period. E+W

(2) The period during which the person appointed may levy tolls, and that person’s appointment under section 11 of this Act to levy tolls, shall be treated as continuing until the end of the toll extension period or the termination of the contract relating to the levy of tolls during the toll extension period, whichever first occurs.

(3) The Secretary of State shall not enter into a contract providing for the levy of tolls by the person appointed during any additional period falling after any date for early termination of the toll period determined under paragraph 2 above unless it appears to him to be appropriate to do so for the purpose of making provision out of revenue produced by the tolls during the additional period for meeting expenses properly chargeable to revenue account which are likely to be incurred in, or in connection with, the maintenance of the crossing after the end of the additional period.