The move follows two consultations and will see number plate recognition technology put in place, with drivers using the crossing able to pay through a variety of methods including telephone, text message, online, and at retail outlets.
Roads Minister Stephen Hammond said: ‘The Dartford Crossing is vital to the local and national economy and introducing free-flow technology will cut congestion and improve journeys for the thousands of motorists and businesses who use the Crossing every day.
‘We are now able to take forward the legislation to make sure charges will be able to be effectively enforced once free-flow charging at the Crossing is introduced next year.’
Drivers will be encouraged to pay the charge before they use the crossing but will now also be able to pay the standard charge up to midnight on the following day.
The penalty charge for non-payment will be £70, with a reduced rate of £35 if paid within 14 days. If the penalty is not paid within 28 days it would increase to £105.
The move has been greeted by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), which says that it’s long overdue but must be enforceable for all.
Malcolm Bingham, FTA head of road network management policy, said: ‘FTA has been asking for a long-time for plans for a “free-flow” system at Dartford to be introduced, and considers that this is the appropriate way forward in order to reduce a good deal of administration costs for the freight industry in dealing with tolls, charges and queues at the Crossing.
Bingham added: ‘We need to be sure thought that the system will work. Undoubtedly, there will be occasions of genuine administrative error which should be dealt with in a sensible and pragmatic way, but there has be a robust system in place to enforce against all those who deliberately avoiding payment.’
