MOTORISTS, business leaders and politicians are not happy after it was revealed the long-awaited introduction of free-flow tolling at the Dartford Crossing has been delayed.

The Highways Agency announced on Friday the number- plate recognition system – which will replace the need for motorists to stop at toll booths – will not come into effect until late November at the earliest.

The £62million system, named Dart Charge, was due to be switched on next month.

But roads bosses say the delay will give drivers more time to prepare for the changes – and enable the system to be fully tested before its introduction.

However, this means motorists using the crossing will have to endure another month of delays.

Guy Pomroy, chairman of the Thurrock Business Association and a director at Purfleet-based logistics firm Canute Group, said: “There’s a general paucity of information coming out of the Highways Agency.

“This is another way of it saying it has failed to publicise the new system. And the fact it is still testing the systems shows it is clearly not ready for it.

“Yet again the businesses in Thurrock are being subjected to delays and extra costs.”

Mr Pomroy said his firm pays about £70,000 a year to use the crossing, excluding the additional fuel expenses and drivers’ overtime when they are stuck in queues.

He added: “It’s needed now to reduce congestion at the crossing, but how can the Department for Transport do an effective consultation on new crossings until we know about the impact of free-flow tolling? From a business point of view, it’s very disappointing there is another delay.”

John Kent, the leader of Thurrock Council, said: “The Highways Agency postponing the launch is yet another disappointment in this seemingly never-ending saga.

“I think we all know that means it’s behind in the work – it’s simply not ready.

“What it does mean, however, is we’re consigned to at least another month of congestion and, as those of us who live here know only too well, that gets even worse in the run-up to Christmas.”

The price of the tolls was set to be increased from £2 to £2.50 in October with the introduction of free-flow tolling, but that too has been put on hold too.

Nigel Gray, Highways Agency project manager, said: “Dart Charge is a massive change for drivers using the crossing and it’s only right it’s thoroughly tested before being introduced.

“We want to help drivers to be ready for the improvements we’re making. That’s why we are saying Dart Charge will start during late November.

“We can reassure drivers we’ll give them plenty of notice before the changes are introduced.

They will have considerable time to sign up for a pre-pay account, which for most will be the easiest and cheapest way to pay the charge – with discounts of up to a third on every crossing.”

WHAT IS DART CHARGE?

*Dart Charge will use cameras - housed in gantries above the exit to the QEII Bridge and entrance to the tunnels - to identify whether or not vehicles have paid for the crossing.

*This will remove the need for barriers or toll booths.

*Motorists will have to pre-pay for their trips by phone, online, at specific shops or by post. Those who haven't paid to use the crossing in advance will have until midnight of the day after their trip to settle the fee.

*The Highways Agency is urging motorists to set up pre-pay accounts - the cheapest way to use the crossing. Accounts can be topped up manually or automatically. Details of how to set up the accounts are not yet available, however.

*Existing DART-Tag account holders will be contacted by the Highways Agency.

*Penalty charges and recovery processes will be used against anyone who attempts to escape paying the charge.

*The toll rise planned for October has also been delayed. Toll charges were collected at the crossing until 2003 when the cost for constructing the QEII Bridge and the tunnels had been fully re-paid. But a road user charge was introduced immediately 2003 to manage the high demand for use of the Crossing.

*The crossing will still be free between 10pm and 6am everyday.