Motorists using the Dartford Crossing are continuing to face difficulties with payments following the introduction of a new system last month, a local MP has warned.
Jackie Doyle-Price, MP for Thurrock, said that drivers who have made the crossing since July 27 should not face penalties if they have not paid to use the bridge.
Motorists have struggled to access the new payment system since it went live on July 28.
The Conservative MP tweeted: “I am aware that users of the Dartford crossing have faced difficulties making payments. I am advised that crossings made since 27 July should not face penalties where users have accounts and that payments can now be made for crossings made since then.”
Drivers who use the Dartford Crossing between 6am and 10pm must pay a £2.50 charge, falling to £2 for those with a Dart Charge account.
The charge is higher for small goods vehicles (£3) and large goods vehicles (£6).
The Dart Charge must be paid in advance or by midnight the day after crossing. Payment can be made online or by phone, post or at retail outlets.
It is free to use the crossing between 10pm and 6am.
Last month, National Highways admitted that changes to its payment system had resulted in motorists struggling to pay the charge to cross.
They said users would be provided with a date to pay for their crossing once the system was fully functioning.
National Highways initially told users they would have until August 15 to pay the charge, but this deadline has now been extended to August 29 due to ongoing problems with the payment system, according to Fleet News.
Around 160,000 vehicles cross the Dartford Crossing every day, according to the RAC.
The Government claims that the Dart Charge helps to manage demand rather than help pay for infrastructure.
The Standard has contacted National Highways for comment.
