Due to the volume of traffic that passes through the Dartford Tolls, every day and the limitless number of traffic jams caused by the need to stop and pay they are being removed. An electronic charging scheme will take its place; on the 30th of November the tolls will be no more.
In late 1963 the first tunnel linking Kent and Essex together, was opened. Now, after many extensions and refurbishments, it’s now a major link between the two counties and part of the M25. The Queen Elizabeth Bridge was first opened on the 30th of November 1991. The total cost added up to £120 million, when it was first opened it was the largest bridge in Europe.
On average 170,000 vehicles pass through every day and they will now face up to a £105 fine if they fail, or forgot to pay the new increased charge of £2.50 for a car. There are four ways to pay the new Dart Charge; online at www.gov.uk/dart-charge, over the phone on 0300 300 0120, at a payzone retail outlet, or by post but this needs to be in advance.
Occasional users of the Dartford tunnel and bridge are apprehensive about the new system, Jane from Sidcup states, ‘I don’t it very often – it seems to be more complicated. I hope I don’t forget to pay.’ Steve from Otford says, ‘I get caught up in the queues of traffic all the time at the booths – it can’t be any worse, hopefully better.’
On paper, the electronic system may prove to be more efficient at freeing up the traffic than the current tolling system. Let’s hope that the motorists remember to pay or they’ll be facing future fines.
