FROM this Sunday, motorists will no longer pay for the Dartford Crossing at its toll booths.

Dart Charge, a system which will mean motorists have to pay for the crossing before or after they have used it, goes live at 6am on Sunday.

Vehicles will be clocked by cameras housed in new gantries above the exit to the bridge and entrance to the tunnel, which will check if they have paid the fee.

Motorists who haven’t paid will have until midnight the day after using the crossing to ensure they have paid the toll, by going online, phoning, or going to a shop that offers Payzone services.

The crossing charge can also be paid for before the journey, either via a pre-pay account, by going online, by telephone, by post, or by going into a Payzone shop.

Those who fail to pay at all will receive a penalty charge notice.

Once the new payment system is active, work will begin to remove the barriers and toll booths by next June, in the hope the road will become more free flowing.

Nigel Gray, the project director, said: “This is a big week for the Dartford Crossing.

Better journeys at Dartford really are on the way.”

The move has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association.

Malcolm Bingham, head of road network management for the organisation, said: “We are supportive of it. We’re confident that it is the toll barriers that create congestion. We’re pleased to see it tested.”

But John Kent, the leader of Thurrock Council, said he was “disappointed” there was no discount for local business and that the tolls were going up just as roadworks began.

He also urged residents to sign up for the local discount.

John Allen, a taxi driver from Tilbury, said: “The big question is will it work to the advantage of the motorist?

Probably not, until the charges are scrapped, which is never.”

On Facebook, Andy Smallbone, said: “About time. Years and years overdue.”

Thurrock Gazette: Dartford Crossing

The toll booths and barriers...soon to be a thing of the past

Motorists are also being warned to expect delays over the weekend, as the bridge and tunnels will be closed at separate times while work is carried out to bring the system live.

How to pay the toll now...

THERE will be various ways to pay the for the crossing once the new free-flow system is introduced on Sunday, whether you are making a one-off payment or if you use the crossing regularly.

You can: SET UP A PRE-PAY ACCOUNT: More than 100,000 people have set up pre-pay accounts.

This is the cheapest way to pay the toll as it offers a discount.

This is also how you make the most of the Local Resident Discount. To set an account up, call 0300 300 0120, or visit www.gov.uk/dart-charge You will need to enter vehicle details and card details. The account must be topped up with £10 straight away.

PAY ONLINE: You can make one-off payments online. Go to www.gov.uk/dart-charge where there will be instructions once the system is live and residents will be asked how many crossings they want to pay for.

BY PHONE: To pay by phone, call 0300 300 0120 and follow the instructions.

BY POST: One-off payments can also be made by post before using the crossing . Fill in a postal form, with cheque, card or postal order to Dart Charge Customer Services PO Box 842 Leeds LS1 9QF.

AT PAYZONE SHOPS: You can also pay the charge over the till at a Payzone outlet.

These are typically convenience stores, newsagents and offlicences – where you can also pay for things like utility bills.

Hundreds of shops in South Essex offer Payzone services.

Residents have until midnight the day after using the crossing to make their payment. These payment arrangements - aside from the pre-pay accounts - will not become active until the system goes live on Sunday.

 Thurrock Gazette: dartford crossing new 1.JPG

How the roads at the crossing will look by the middle of next year. Work starts this weekend.

...But don’t forget the price rise

THE cost of using the Dartford Crossing is set to rise...on the same day free-flow tolling is introduced.

For cars and vans, the charge of the crossing is going up by 50p, to £2.50 and £3 respectively, while for lorries the price is rising from £5 to £6.

Tim Aker, Eastern Region MEP, who protested against the tolls last week, said: “Motorists are getting hammered from all sides. It is yet another cost for people who are already taxed to the hilt.”

Thurrock Council leader John Kent said: “It’s disappointing.

Why is the Government targeting hard-working, struggling businesses and hard-working, hard-up families when the crossing was paid for many years ago?”

Now read:

Gazette deputy editor Bob Newton: "It's a shame the charges aren't going, too"