Dartford Crossing: Ongoing delays as new Dart Charge payment system faces ‘exceptionally high demand’

Update August 1: A National Highways spokesperson has said the Dart Charge websites and customer contact centres are now operating, with only short delays expected online.

They added payment deadlines have been extended, with account holders having until August 31 to update their card details on the website, and non-account holders who use the crossing between July 27 and August 14 having until August 15 to pay the charge.

Motorists looking to sign up to the Dartford Crossing’s new payment system are facing ongoing delays as the service struggles with “exceptionally high demand”.

Those looking to travel between Essex and Kent via the crossing have had to revalidate their debit cards on the Dart Charge system, due to Conduent taking over as the service provider.

The initial deadline was July 30, with those not signed up in time liable to receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) if using the crossing.

This was pushed back due to website maintenance being carried out over the weekend, with a new deadline introduced of July 31. Customers looking to sign up yesterday (Monday July 31) were met with a loading page instructing them they were being placed in a queue.

This has continued into this morning (August 1), with a National Highways spokesperson telling LondonWorld: “The Dart Charge contact centre and website is still experiencing exceptionally high demand after the system updates made over the weekend.

“We are extending the payment period for crossings made since Thursday 27 July to allow everyone sufficient time to make payment once the system is functioning as normal.

“We thank people for their patience while we work hard to resolve this and will provide further regular updates.”

The Dartford Crossing, opened in October 1991 for £120 million, connects Dartford in Kent with Thurrock in Essex. It is estimated more than 40m vehicles use it on an annual basis.

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