A Freedom of Information request by BBC Radio Kent has now revealed that almost a quarter of foreign registered vehicles are failing to pay the charge, following the removal of the barriers at the Dartford Crossing in November 2014.
Natalie Chapman, FTA's head of policy for London and the South East, said: “Removing the tolls has reduced congestion, which can only be good for traffic flow and the environment.
“But all vehicles, wherever they are based, should be paying the charge and should be pursued for non-payment. Otherwise, what starts off as a relatively small problem of non-compliance can quickly grow to a big problem and that creates an uneven playing field for UK operators.”
The FTA added that it continues to support the Dart Charge system and does not believe vehicles should be held up in toll queues, but said the improvement in congestion at the Dartford Crossing will only be temporary as traffic volumes continue to increase and exceed capacity.
“We need to press ahead with plans for a new Lower Thames Crossing to ensure freight traffic is kept moving,” said Chapman.
