THE Dartford Crossing is a busy stretch of road in Greater London that is used by around 180,000 cars every day.
The crossing – which was known as the Dartford Tunnel until 1991 – is made up of two tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and carries a charge for many who use it.
The charges at the Dartford Crossing vary depending on the type of vehicle being driven and if the driver already has an account set up on the gov.co.uk website.
The fees are often referred to as the Dart Charge.
Cars (including trailers), motorhomes and any minibuses that have nine or less seats have to pay £2.50.
If the driver has an account, however, this will be reduced to £2.
Buses, coaches, vans and other goods vehicles with two axles face a £3 charge – or £2.63 with an account.
Similar vehicles with more than two axles will have to pay £6 – or £5.19 with an account.
If you live in the council boundaries of Dartford or Thurrock you can apply for a local residents discount.
You can pay an annual fee of £20 a year to use the crossing as many times as you want.
Another option is to pay £10 a year for 50 crossings.
If you are on the £10 plan and you run out of crossings you can pay £5 for 25 additional crossings or pay £10 to upgrade to the £20 plan and get unlimited crossings.
Either way, for local residents the total amount you pay in a year will not exceed £20.
Since the tollbooths at the Dartford Crossing have been removed, the charge can be paid on the gov.co.uk website.
Charges must be settled by midnight the day after crossing but can also be paid in advance.
The government website can be used to pay the Dart Charge and to set up an account to make future payments easier and cheaper.
Users can also use the service to pay or challenge a fine, as well as check which crossings they have paid for.
To pay the charge drivers will need their number plate to hand.
If challenging a fine you will need your PCN reference number which can be found on your Penalty Charge Notice letter.
The Dartford Crossing charge can also be paid with cash at Payzone stores.
Accounts can also be set up by post or by phone and customers wanting to do so should phone the Dart Charge contact centre at 0300 300 0120.
Drivers usually need to pay the Dartford Crossing charge if they use the crossing between 6am and 10pm.
This includes at weekends and during bank holidays.
The charge changes after 10pm and is free to use from then until 6am the next day.
Those who use the crossing on a motorcycle, moped or quad bike do not need to pay the charge.
If you get free UK vehicle tax because of a disability you can also cross for free.
Motorists face a £70 fine if they do not pay the Dart Charge.
If you receive a Penalty Charge Notice you must pay the fine within 28 days or it will increase to £105.
If you pay within 14 days, however, it will be reduced to £35.
All fine amounts are in addition to the original crossing charge.
Fines can be paid online – at the gov.co.uk website – as well as by phone and post.
Fines can be disputed online but drivers must be able to show evidence that the PCN was issued incorrectly.
