Dart Charge account holders planning to use the Dartford Crossing this weekend are being reminded that the automatic payment system for journeys will be unavailable because of improvements being made to the system.

Starting from the 00:01 Friday 28 July until late Sunday 30 July, users will not be able to pay for crossings or access their Dart Charge accounts. 

Motorists using the crossing during this time will need to pay via the Dart Charge website or by calling Dart Charge on 0300 300 0120.

To assist drivers Dart Charge have extended the timeframe for payments for until midnight 31 July. All crossings made between 27 July and  30 July must be paid by this date to avoid any penalty charges.

National Highways is apologising for any inconvenience caused during this maintenance period and deeply appreciate road users understanding as improvements are undertaken.

Due to the introduction of new banking requirements, it will be essential for account holders, including Pay as You Go customers, to re-validate their payment cards following the weekend.

National Highways warns that neglecting to act may result in crossings not being automatically paid due to invalid card payment details, potentially leading to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

National Highways has dispatched direct communications and instructions, to those affected. Previous communication stated this would be required on 28 July, but due to an extended maintenance window this will now not be possible until the service is re-opened on 30 July.

As part of the improvements, a new Service Provider, Conduent, will become responsible for vehicle identification, payment processing and account management. Emovis will continue to issue and handle enquiries for Penalty Charge Notices.

(Picture – National Highways)