Dartford Crossing: How do I pay using Dart Charge, how do I sign in, and what is the price?

The Dartford Crossing, located east of London, is a major transport route enabling drivers to travel between Essex and Kent over the River Thames.

Consisting of two bored tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, it is estimated more than 180,000 vehicles use it every day.

The Dartford Crossing is tolled, using an automatic numberplate recognition charging scheme known as the Dart Charge.

Most drivers who use the crossing are liable to pay the toll, or risk being issued a penalty charge notice (PCN).

The payment system was updated at the end of July, with delays experienced by customers due to issues with the website and high demand. However, this was resolved by August 1, with a National Highways spokesperson confirming service improvements had also been implemented.

Here is everything you need to know about the Dart Charge.

Who needs to pay the charge?

The majority of those driving over the Dartford Crossing between 6am and 10pm, including on weekends and bank holidays, are liable to pay.

However, anyone travelling using a motorcycle, moped or quad bike, or who gets free UK vehicle tax because of a disability, are exempt.

How do I pay using Dart Charge?

Dart Charge is an online system, accessible via the government website.

It can be used to pay the fee, sign in or set up an account, pay or challenge a fine, or check which crossings you have paid for.

Anyone who has used the Dartford Crossing and is required to pay will have until midnight the day after they made the journey to settle the charge.

There are ways to pay other than using Dart Charge, including paying with cash at a Payzone store, and in advance via post.

How much is the Dart Charge?

The amount you will have to pay will depend on the vehicle used.

Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes go free. Cars, motorhomes and any minibuses with nine or less seats cost £2.50, or £2 with an account.

For buses, coaches, vans and other goods vehicles with two axles it costs £3, or £2.63 with an account, and either £6 or £5.19 for those with more than two.

Travellers with a disability do not have to pay, and there are also local resident discounts, costing either £20 a year to use the crossing as often as you want, or £10 for 50 crossings, plus 50p for each additional crossing.