The Dart Charge website has come under scrutiny as numerous Dartford Crossing users encountered issues while attempting to pay their fees. Frustration has grown among users as they faced difficulties re-validating their cards and encountered a “blue circle of death” while trying to complete payment transactions.
In response to the mounting complaints, National Highways, the government-owned company responsible for managing England’s major roads, released an official statement addressing the challenges users have been experiencing. The organization acknowledged the presence of “unforeseen issues” affecting the Dart Charge service and offered its sincere apologies for the disruption this has caused to customers.
National Highways affirmed its commitment to promptly resolving these issues, ensuring that users can navigate the payment process without hindrance. The company assured users that efforts are underway to address the problems and restore smooth functionality to the Dart Charge website.
According to National Highways, recent Dartford Crossing crossings starting from August 16 should gradually begin to appear on users’ accounts. Additionally, auto payments will be processed in due course. However, the system might require some time to catch up, so users are advised to be patient during this transition period.
For customers who made journeys on the Dartford Crossing between July 27 and August 14 but have not yet settled their payments, National Highways has introduced a grace period. During the next 14 days, these users will have the opportunity to pay at the Road User Crossing rate to avoid potential issues.
In the comprehensive statement, a spokesperson for National Highways expressed their regret for the inconvenience faced by customers and reiterated the company’s dedication to swiftly resolving the underlying problems. The statement also encouraged account holders who have not done so already to re-validate their payment card information to ensure a seamless experience when using the Dart Charge service. This can be accomplished easily by logging into their accounts online.
The spokesperson further highlighted that individuals who have unpaid crossings between July 27 and August 14 will receive detailed information about the grace period in a letter attached to the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). This approach aims to provide a fair and equitable solution for any inadvertent delays experienced during this transitional phase.
National Highways’ efforts reflect its commitment to delivering a user-friendly and efficient service to Dartford Crossing users, ensuring that any technical glitches or inconveniences are promptly addressed.
