Discounted trips over Dartford Crossing

Newer technology and a change to the road layout should help reduce traffic congestion along the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing. The scheme will be launched during October 2014 and the following changes are planned: you'll be paying remotely rather than at the barrier as you cross.

You'll be able to pay in advance of crossing or before midnight the day after crossing. It'll be cheaper for those to have an account and crossing between 10pm and 6am will still be free.

This spring, the Highways Agency will be doing some advance construction work to prepare for the new remote paying system in October. After that, the crossing road layout will change and work is due to complete in the spring of 2015.

A discount scheme which lets residents make unlimited trips across the Dartford Crossing comes into force today. People already registered in the Local Residents' Discount Scheme will be able to make unlimited trips over the crossing for £20 a year.

Meanwhile free-flow tolls will be operating at the crossing in October. It's hoped the new barrier-less system will help ease congestion for commuters.