When you're driving in England, there are a few tolls you'll have to pay along the way. One of them is the Dartford Crossing Toll. Here's a guide to how to do that, and some tips on making it as affordable as possible. Keep reading to learn more!

Where is the Dartford Crossing Toll?

The Dartford Crossing is a toll road that spans the River Thames in south-eastern England. It consists of two tunnels and a bridge and is one of the busiest crossings in the country. The crossing is located just east of London and is used by over 140,000 vehicles every day.

The toll is collected at the main entrance to the bridge on the Kent side of the river. There are also two smaller toll plazas on the Essex side of the river, but these are only for vehicles exiting the tunnels. The cost of the crossing varies depending on the time of day and the type of vehicle, but it is typically around £2.50 for a car. Discounts are available for residents of Kent and Essex.
 

"You can also set up automatic payments so that your tolls are paid automatically each time you use the bridge."

How to pay for the Dartford Crossing Toll

When it opened in 1963, the crossing was toll-free. However, on 30 November 2014, a new charging scheme was introduced for all vehicles using the crossing. The charge is £2.50 for cars and motorbikes, £3.00 for vans and small commercial vehicles, and £6.00 for lorries, buses, and coaches.

The charges are used to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the crossing, as well as to finance improvements. Different rates also apply for vehicles making multiple crossings in a day or week.

What are the different payment methods available

If you're planning to use the crossing, there are a few things you need to know about paying the toll. The easiest way to pay is by setting up an account with DartCharge. This allows you to pay in advance or on the day of travel, and you can also set up regular payments if you use the crossing frequently. You can also pay by phone or at selected retailers, although this must be done within 24 hours of using the crossing.

How to set up a DartCharge account

Setting up an account is easy and can be done online or over the phone. To set up an account, you will need to provide your vehicle registration number, contact information, and payment details. You can choose to pay by credit card, debit card, or direct debit.

Once your account is set up, you will be able to pay your tolls online or over the phone. You can also set up automatic payments so that your tolls are paid automatically each time you use the bridge. For more information on setting up a DartCharge account, please visit the website or call their customer service number.

How to change your payment method or account details

Changing your payment method or account details on DartCharge is easy. Simply log in to your account, click on the 'Payment Methods' tab, and then select the 'Add/Edit Payment Method' option. From there, you can add, edit, or delete your payment methods. You can also update your account details by clicking on the 'Profile' tab and then selecting the 'Edit Profile' option. Once you've made your changes, be sure to click 'Save' so that they will take effect. Journeying across the Dartford Crossing Toll will be quick and hassle-free.

What discount is available to local residents

If you pay council tax to Thurrock council or Dartford borough council, you can apply for a discount. You have two options:

1. Pay £20 a year to use the crossing as many times as you like
2. Pay £10 for 50 crossings and then 20p for each additional crossing after this

It's worth bearing in mind that you don't have to pay the charge if you get free UK vehicle tax because of a disability. Your vehicle will be automatically checked when you cross, so you don't need to do anything else.

What happens if you don't pay the toll?

If you fail to pay the toll, you will be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The amount of the PCN depends on the vehicle you were driving and how soon you pay it. If you pay within 28 days, the charge is reduced by 50%. If you don't pay the PCN within 28 days, you will be liable for the full amount. In addition, if you don't pay within 56 days, you will also be liable for a £70 late payment fee.

If you want to read more about toll roads in the UK then you read our other post, Major toll roads in the UK.