Dartford Crossing now PAY IN ADVANCE – how to pay

The Dartford Crossing – the Dartford Tunnels and Queen Elizabeth Bridge – have had their toll booths removed and payments must be made in advance.

The Dartford Crossing between Essex and Kent is the main arterial route for traffic going to the Continent – as well as more local traffic – so although it may seem like a local change, the removal of payment barriers at the crossing is pertinent for drivers from across the UK and the Continent.

After years of toll booths – and endless delays at peak times and after the most minor of incidents – the toll booths have gone and in their place comes a system much like that used for the London Congestion Zone.

Many would argue that the Dartford Crossing should be toll free – after all, when the tunnels and bridge were built we were told it would be free once it was paid for, and it was paid for by 2003 – but the reality is what counts, and if you need to use the crossing you need to make sure you know how yo pay.

If you use the Dartford Crossing regularly then you need to set up a Dart Charge account. This will let you register your vehicle(s) and add funds to your account, which you can keep doing manually or automatically when it dips below a certain level, and you get a discount on the standard charges.

If you’re an infrequent user, you can pay the Dart Charge for your crossing online, by phoning 0300 300 0120 or use a Payzone Retail Outlet to pay the charge. The charge must be paid by midnight on the day after you cross or there will be penalties.

Prices have also gone up, so the cost for a car is now £2.50 each way (was £2), two-axle commercials are £3.00 each way (was £2.50) and multi-axle vehicles are £6.00 (was £5.00). Motorcycles are still free, as is crossing between 10pm and 6am.

Only time will tell how much the new system will reduce congestion. But it beats trekking up to the Blackwall Tunnel to miss the charge.