Dart Charge account holders are being warned that the automatic payment system for journeys will be unavailable this weekend due to improvements being made to the system.

Starting from 12.01am on Friday, July 28, until late on Sunday, July 30, drivers using the Dartford Crossing will need to pay using the Dart Charge website or by calling Dart Charge on 0300 300 0120.

To assist drivers, Dart Charge has extended the timeframe for payments until midnight on August 1.

All crossings made between July 27 and July 30 must be paid by August 1 to avoid any penalty charges.

National Highways, the organization responsible for the maintenance of the Dartford Crossing, has apologized for any inconvenience caused and deeply appreciates the understanding of road users during this maintenance period which is in place to make improvements to the Dart Charge.

The responsibility for vehicle identification, payment processing, and account management has been transferred to a new service provider named Conduent.

Emovis will continue to issue and handle inquiries for Penalty Charge Notices.

Account holders, including Pay as You Go customers, will be required to re-validate their payment cards following the weekend due to these banking requirements.

Neglecting to do so may result in crossings not being automatically paid, potentially leading to a Penalty Charge Notice.

Previously, it was stated that it was mandatory for Dart Charge account holders, including Pay as You Go customers, to have re-validated their payment cards by July 28, 2023.

However, due to an extended maintenance window, it will now not be possible until the service re-opens on July 30.

National Highways proactively reached out to affected customers and provided them with "easy to follow instructions" upon logging into their accounts.

National Highways has sent out direct communications and instructions to those affected and said that "We initially wrote to all Dart Charge account holders in May 2023. The second direct communication to account holders began on the 3 July and completed on the 22 July."

National Highways has said that it will be providing live updates through their social media channels to keep customers informed throughout the process.