FineFlip Guide
Dart Charge 2026: Price, How to Pay, How to Appeal
The Dartford Crossing connects Essex and Kent via the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the Dartford Tunnels. The Dart Charge replaced the old toll booths and operates as a free-flow system — there are no barriers, so you must pay online or by phone. Forgetting triggers a GBP 70 PCN. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Dart Charge PCN?
Payment system errors and ANPR misreads are common appeal grounds.
Check my appeal freeDart Charge prices 2026
- Cars: GBP 2.50
- Two-axle goods vehicles (over 3.5t): GBP 3.00
- Multi-axle goods vehicles (over 3.5t): GBP 6.00
- Motorcycles: Free
How to pay
Pay online at gov.uk/dart-charge, by phone, or through the Dart Charge app. You can pre-pay up to 12 months ahead. Setting up a Dart Charge account with Auto Pay means the charge is automatically deducted when your vehicle is detected.
Operating hours
The charge applies 6:00am to 10:00pm daily. Crossings between 10:00pm and 6:00am are free. The charge does not apply on Christmas Day.
Appealing a Dart Charge PCN
- You paid but the payment was not processed (provide confirmation)
- You have a Dart Charge account and it should have been auto-charged
- ANPR misread your plate — another vehicle was charged instead
- You crossed during the free period (10pm-6am)
- The vehicle was exempt (motorcycle, emergency vehicle, military)
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Dartford Crossing charge?
Cars pay GBP 2.50 per crossing. Vans and small goods vehicles pay GBP 3.00. HGVs pay GBP 6.00. The charge applies in both directions.
When must I pay?
You must pay by midnight the day after crossing. You can pre-pay up to 12 months in advance or pay up to midnight the next day. Setting up a Dart Charge account with Auto Pay is the easiest option.
What happens if I forget to pay?
A Penalty Charge Notice of GBP 70 is issued (reduced to GBP 35 if paid within 14 days). If not paid within 28 days, it increases to GBP 105.