Dartford Crossing Charges: How To Pay The Dartford Bridge Tolls

The Dartford Toll Crossing is one of the busiest roads in the United Kingdom, connecting Essex and Kent and records 180000 vehicle traffic per year. Most drivers are expected to pay the Dart Charge toll when using this crossing. Driving across the Dartford Crossing might be quite tricky, especially for those new to the road or even for those who have never encountered the crossing. However, this Dartford Crossing is a breeze to deal with especially when one is well prepared to experience it.

This blog contains all the information about the Dartford crossing charges, how to pay the dartford toll as well as the penalties for missing the payment. Further, there are a few tips to ensure that your journey is as comfortable as it can be. Whether the goal is to know about the toll system or avoid fines for unpaid tolls, we got everything covered.

What is Dartford Crossing Toll Charge/Dart Charge in UK?

The Dartford Crossing, also known as the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing, is a crucial part of the UK's road network. It connects the counties of Essex and Kent via the M25 motorway, spanning the River Thames. The crossing consists of two tunnels, the Dartford Tunnel first opened in 1963 to handle the growing traffic between Dartford and Thurrock. By 1980, a second tunnel was added due to increased demand. The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, a stunning cable-stayed bridge, was opened in 1991 to further ease congestion. This crossing is one of the busiest sections of road in the UK, with up to 160,000 vehicles using it every day.

By 2014, over 100,000 vehicles used the crossings each day, leading to significant delays. To solve this the Dartford crossing toll charge, commonly known as the dart charge was introduced. During this process, the toll booths were removed and replaced with a more efficient system of automatic number-plate recognition, streamlining the process, and reducing delays.

Dart Charge is a toll that drivers must pay when using either the bridge or the dartford tunnel in the UK. The charge was introduced to fund the construction and ongoing maintenance of the crossing, ensuring it remains a vital and reliable route for road users.

Below is a breakdown of how much to pay and the process of how to pay Dart Charge.

How Much is the Dartford Crossing Fee in UK?

The dartford crossing tariff varies depending on the type of vehicle. On 7 October 2012, toll charges increased by 33%, followed by another 25% increase with the introduction of free flow charging. By 2003, the toll charges had covered the cost of the Dartford bridge. Road user charging generates about £70 million annually to manage high demand. However, if you are going to be a frequent user of the Dartford Crossing then having an account can cut down the cost of each crossing. Here is a breakdown of these charges:

The rise in charges in October 2012 adversely affected long-distance travellers from the UK and Europe, as well as freight, business, and regional users due to the lack of investment in increasing capacity at Dartford.

Remember, unlike congestion charges in London, dart charge applies 7 days a week including Christmas and bank holidays.

Dart Charge Exemptions & Discounts

Certain drivers may be excluded from or eligible for reduced charges when using the Dartford Crossing. Residents of Dartford and Thurrock are eligible for special exemptions and discounts while using the crossing. If you are a resident and plan to use the crossing regularly, you can purchase a £20 annual pass for unlimited crossings. For occasional users, there is an option to buy a bundle of 50 crossings for £10, with an additional charge of 20p for each crossing after that.

Residents must apply online or by mail and provide proof of residency, along with copies of their vehicle's V5C logbook, driver's license, and a current utility bill.

Non-residents and those who do not qualify for disability reductions can still receive up to a 20% discount by opening an account with Dart Charge and pre-funding for the crossings.

Dartford could have benefited from having a facility for foreign drivers to pay by credit card, like other 'free flow' toll plazas in Europe. Additionally, it would have been helpful for Dartford's charging system to be interoperable, making it easier for EU drivers with accounts to pay.

How to Set Up a Dart Charge Account?

Setting up a Dart Charge account saves you time at the crossing while also allowing you to take advantage of the discounted rate provided to account holders. Creating an account is quick and advantageous if you often use the Dartford Crossing. Here's how you can accomplish it:

• Initial Deposit: To start your Dart Charge account, deposit £10.
• Minimum Balance: Always keep a £5 balance in your account to guarantee you can pay for your passage.
• Automatic Payments: Enable automatic payments related to your account. This function guarantees that your Dart Charge is paid promptly each time you use the crossing, allowing you to avoid late costs.
• Multiple Vehicles: With your Dart Charge account, you may pay for up to four separate vehicles, making it ideal for families or numerous drivers.
• Account Management: Easily manage your account online or over the phone. You may check your balance, set up recurring payments, and change your payment choices at any time.

How to Pay Dartford Bridge Toll?

Paying the Dartford Bridge tolls is convenient with multiple payment options available. Whether you choose to pay online, by phone, by post, or in-person at a Payzone retailer, ensure you have your vehicle details and payment information ready for a smooth transaction.

Paying Dart Charge Online

When paying for the Dartford Crossing online, you may do it quickly and easily using the official Dart Charge website. Here's how:

• Visit the website: Visit the Dart Charge official website and browse to the payment area.
• Enter details: Enter your vehicle registration number (plate) and payment information (debit or credit card).
• Complete payment: To complete your payment, simply follow the directions. It normally takes 5-10 minutes.

Paying Dart Charge by Phone

If you want to pay dartford crossing charges by telephone, follow these steps:

• Contact Customer Service: Dial 0300 300 0120 to contact Dart Charge customer service.
• Provide information: Have your vehicle's registration number and payment information handy.
• Follow the Instructions: To finalize your payment, just follow the automated steps or contact a customer service representative.

Paying Dart Charges Through Post

You may also pay dartford crossing charges via post using the following method:

• Send payment: To make a payment, send it to Dart Charge Customer Services at P.O. Box 842 in Leeds, LS1 9QF, using a check, banker's draft, credit card, or direct debit.
• Include Information: When making your payment, please include your car registration number and any relevant reference numbers.

Paying Dartford Crossing Charges in Person

To make in-person payments, visit a Payzone retail outlet:

• Locate a Retailer: Find the Payzone location closest to you.
• Make the Payment: Enter your car registration number and use the approved payment options at the outlet.

How Do You Avoid the Dart Charge?

Avoiding the Dart Charge at the Dartford Crossing is critical for avoiding fines and completing your travel easily. Here are effective ways to avoid the Dart Charge:

• Use Alternative Routes: Plan your journey ahead of time to avoid the Dartford crossing. Use alternate routes that do not include crossing the River Thames via the Dartford Tunnel or the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. For example, while going between the M1 and M20, consider taking the western side of the highway, albeit this route can become crowded around Heathrow, where major motorways like as the M3, M4, and M40 cross the M25.
• Check for Exemptions: Some vehicles, such as motorcyclists, are exempt from the Dart Charge. Make sure you have the proper papers to show your exemption status, if applicable.
• Time Your Travel: Whenever possible, plan your trip outside of peak hours, when traffic at the Dartford Crossing is heaviest. Furthermore, the Dart Charge does not apply between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., offering a legal opportunity for crossing without paying.
• Pay Online in Advance: If your route includes the Dartford Crossing, you may pay the Dart Charge online or by phone. This guarantees you meet toll standards and avoid fines.
• Set up an account: Thinking about setting up a Dart Charge account if you frequent the crossing. This account allows for automated payments, which eliminates the stress of remembering to pay manually and provides account users with lower rates.

What happens if you don't pay the Dart Charge?

Failure to pay the Dart crossing Charge may result in penalties. You will be charged a £70 penalty, delivered to the location where your car is registered. If paid within 14 days, this charge is lowered to £35; otherwise, it climbs to £105. In addition to the penalty charge, you must also pay the initial Dart Toll Charge price.

You can file an appeal if you feel the penalty was incorrectly issued. This may be done via post or online, allowing you to raise the Dartford Toll penalty and present your case for review. Resolving any outstanding Dart Charges as soon as possible is critical to prevent higher fines and potential further penalties.

When the free flow scheme was implemented, the official impact assessment estimated an overall payment rate of 93% for UK drivers and 86% for foreign-registered vehicles, which were expected to make up around 3% of all vehicles using the crossing.

FAQs on Dartford Crossing

1. Why is the Dart Charge becoming permanent?

The Dart Charge system was established to increase traffic flow and minimize congestion by removing toll booths. It has been beneficial; thus, it is being made permanent to economically pay the crossing's upkeep and operation.

2. Can you pay for the Dartford Crossing in advance?

Yes, you may pay for crossings in advance by creating a Dart Charge account. This enables automated payments and lowers the chance of forgetting to pay.

3. Are the Dartford Crossing cameras always on?

Yes, cameras with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) are functioning 24 hours a day, seven days a week to monitor cars using the crossing and enforce Dart Charge payments.

4. Is the Dartford Crossing free after 10pm?

Yes, using dartford crossing is free between 10pm to 6am.

5. How long is Dartford tunnels?

The Dartford Tunnels is approximately 1,430 meters (4,690 feet) long.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing Dartford Crossing charges is critical for a seamless journey across the river Thames. Whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional traveller, understanding how to pay the Dart Charge will help you avoid fines and make your journey less stressful. This system was introduced to simplify payments and eliminate become a permanent solution for funding the upkeep and operation of this critical UK road connection. By creating a Dart Charge account, paying online, or using alternative payment methods, you may easily travel the Dartford Crossing while taking advantage of discounted prices for frequent users.