Press release

Payzone outlets to accept Dart Charge payments

Drivers who prefer to pay cash to use the Dartford Crossing will still be able to when Dart Charge goes live later this year, the Highways Agency confirmed today.

Under plans to partner with one of the largest independent network of payment agents in the UK, drivers will be able to pay their Dart Charge at one of thousands of convenient retail outlets across the country with a Payzone terminal.

Sanef, who are providing the vehicle detection, charging and enforcement services for Dart Charge, will now work with Payzone to maximise the number of their outlets offering the Dart Charge payment facility. Those outlets offering the service will be added to Payzone’s website in due course making it easy for Crossing users to locate their nearest retail outlet where they can pay the charge.

Highways Agency Project Director Nigel Gray said:

Making it as easy as possible to pay Dart Charge has been a top priority for us. We recognise that not everyone will want to pay online or by phone. This deal with Payzone will mean drivers will be able to pay at thousands of convenient locations across the country.

Sanef Operations Chief Executive Charles Hewson said:

Sanef realise that how to pay the Dart Charge is a matter of customer choice, and for those customers wishing to pay by cash this partnership with Payzone will be quick and easy for all cash paying customers

Mark Mellor, Sales and Marketing Director at Payzone said:

We’re really excited to provide the facility to pay Dart Charge in all Payzone shops on behalf of Sanef and the Highways Agency. The Payzone convenience network will make it easy for a consumer to top up their account, or pay Dart Charge in cash, at a local Payzone store throughout the whole of the UK. This deal will also be great news for our retailers who will benefit both from providing the service and increased footfall.

Dart Charge – a new payment arrangement being introduced from October 2014 – will improve journeys and reduce congestion at the Crossing, removing the need to stop at payment booths and giving drivers more flexibility about how and when they pay the charge.

Drivers will pay the Crossing charge in advance or by midnight the day after crossing. Drivers can set up an account and save up to a third on each crossing. Alternatively they can pay online, at selected retail outlets, by phone or by post.

More information about Dart Charge can be found by visiting: www.gov.uk/highways/dartford

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000

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Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Updates to this page

Published 18 July 2014