Highways England is extending CDER Group’s existing contract for the recovery of unpaid Dart Charge penalties for a further two years until June 2023.

Having worked with Highways England on the Dartford Crossing Dart Charge project since the removal of barriers and toll booths in November 2014, CDER says this latest contract extension is a “clear endorsement” of its “exceptional collection performance and commitment to treating all Dart Charge customers fairly and with respect”.

CDER Group’s Director of Road User Charging and Road Traffic Services, John Mason said of the contract extension, “Highways England’s Dart Charge project was a significant challenge and undertaking for all those involved and so we are rightfully delighted that Highways England have again put their faith in us to recover unpaid Dart Charge penalties for a further two years. Through our Road User Charging contracts with Highways England and Transport for London, Clean Air Zone service provision and other road, tunnel and bridge tolling contracts such as Tyne Tunnels CDER Group have truly established ourselves as the partner of choice for authorities delivering such complex and critical projects”.

Through the contract extension CDER Group says it will continue to utilise its IT and Call Centre capability to maximise collections without the need for an enforcement visit and ensure all activity is undertaken in strict compliance with the company’s Fairness Charter, launched in Autumn 2020. Where visits to Dart Charge customers premises are required, these will be contactless and undertaken by a nationwide field force of Certificated Enforcement Agents all equipped with Body Worn Video and who have been subject to the most comprehensive and rigorous training programmes in the market, including specific COVID secure working practices developed in partnership with the Civil Enforcement Association and endorsed by The Ministry of Justice.

(Picture – Highways England)