FineFlip Guide
Forgot to Pay Dartford Crossing: Fine Appeal Guide
The Dartford Crossing is a free-flow system with no barriers and no reminders. It is remarkably easy to cross and forget to pay — especially if you are not a regular user. The PCN arrives in the post days or weeks later, and the GBP 70 fine is a shock for a GBP 2.50 charge. This guide explains your options.
Dart Charge PCN in the post?
FineFlip checks for payment system failures and procedural errors.
Check my appeal freeWhat happens when you forget
- Day of crossing: GBP 2.50 payable by midnight the next day
- Day after crossing + 1: Payment window closes. No late payment option.
- 7-28 days later: PCN of GBP 70 arrives in the post
- Pay within 14 days: Reduced to GBP 35
- Ignore for 28+ days: Increases to GBP 105, then county court enforcement
Can you appeal?
You can make a formal representation to the Dart Charge team within 28 days. Valid grounds include: you attempted to pay online but the website was down, your Dart Charge Auto Pay account had a technical fault, the ANPR misread your plate (another vehicle's charge was deducted instead), you crossed during the free period (10pm-6am), or the vehicle was exempt.
Multiple PCNs
If you cross regularly without paying, each crossing generates a separate PCN. Multiple GBP 70 fines can accumulate quickly. If you have several PCNs for the same underlying issue (e.g., Auto Pay failure), you can appeal them together citing the same ground.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
I forgot to pay — will I definitely get a fine?
If you did not pay by midnight the day after crossing, a PCN of GBP 70 will be issued to the registered keeper. This is automatic — the ANPR system detects the crossing and checks whether payment was received.
Can I pay late to avoid the PCN?
No. Unlike the Congestion Charge, there is no late payment option for the Dart Charge. You must pay by midnight the next day or the PCN is issued automatically.
Is forgetting a valid appeal ground?
Simply forgetting is not usually accepted. However, if the payment website was down, your Auto Pay account malfunctioned, or you had an emergency, these are valid appeal grounds.