DEBT recovery specialists are being used to chase nearly 19,000 foreign drivers who have failed to pay Dartford Crossing charges.

The Highways Agency has hired the firm to pursue 18,716 foreign drivers who have failed to pay since free-flow tolling was introduced at the crossing in December 2014.

The overseas drivers are among the 130,306 who have still not paid for using the crossing that month.

Free flow tolling has seen booths and cash baskets removed in to speed traffic through the crossing. It works similarly to the London congestion charge, with number plate-reading cameras recording every vehicle on the crossing. Drivers can set up a payment account and get a discount, pay in advance, or for a period of time after crossing, with a variety of payment methods available.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “We know that it’s an issue that people care about, and it’s very important to the reputation and credibility of the scheme that we are seen to be serious about enforcing the scheme overseas, as well as at home. We hope these numbers show that we are taking it seriously.”

The agency said more than 90 per cent of crossings during December had now been paid for, and more than half of the fine notices sent out had been paid.

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said: “There seems to be a significant number of foreign drivers trying to avoid the charge.

“It will be interesting to see what success rate the debt collection agency achieves chasing hauliers and motorists once they leave these shores.”