Dart Charge goes live: statment from the Highways Agency
New payment arrangements went live at the Dartford Crossing at 6am this morning. Instead of stopping at a barrier to pay the Dartford Crossing Charge, drivers will pay online, by phone or post or at one of thousands of retail outlets nationwide. Payment can be made in advance or up to midnight the day after using the crossing.
Commenting on the introduction of Dart Charge, Highways Agency Project Director Nigel Gray said:
Dart Charge marks the start of a new chapter for the Dartford Crossing. It is the first step in speeding up journeys for the tens of thousands of drivers who use the Crossing each day.
Over the coming months we will be transforming the road layout and when this work is complete in spring next year drivers will feel the full benefits of these improvements.
We all want to see less congestion and quicker journeys at the Crossing and we are on course to deliver that which is great news for drivers and great news for the economy.
Over 200,000 people have registered for pre-pay accounts and from today will save up to a third on every crossing. It is the easiest and cheapest way to pay Dart Charge and I encourage anyone who uses the crossing to register for savings on the [GOV.UK website] (http://www.gov.uk/dart-charge).
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.