Drivers will no longer pay at the barriers to use the Dartford Crossing when the new Dart Charge remote payment system comes into operation from October 2014.
Instead drivers will be able to pay in advance or before midnight the day after crossing. Payment methods will include pre-pay accounts which qualify for discounted travel, online, by text, at retail outlets, over the phone or by post. Drivers who do not pay will face a penalty charge.
Non-UK users will be able to use the same payment channels. The automatic number plate recognition system will recognise non-UK vehicles and if there is any doubt number plates can be reviewed manually.
Existing Dart Tag account holders do not need to do anything yet. They will be contacted by the Highways Agency in September/October with details of how to move to the new account.
Work began this week to install gantries which will house signage and technology associated with the new Dart Charge remote payment system. Once Dart Charge is introduced in October work will then begin to remove the payment booths and introduce a new road layout.