If you've ever been fined for not paying the Dartford Crossing toll or believe that you have been incorrectly issued a PCN, here's what you need to do.

The Dartford Crossing is a major route in southeast England that connects Kent and Essex.

It is a tolled crossing, and failure to pay the charge can result in a penalty but there are options available to pay or challenge the fine.

After a recent span of issues with the Dart Charge service after a change of providers, customers have been reporting many problems with some concerned that these errors and bugs will lead to incorrect fines.

People reported issues following the maintenance including being unable to re-validate cards, account balances being wiped, journeys not being recorded, payments not being taken and local resident permits being removed.

Here is some information that will let you know your options if you have been fined and wish to pay or would like to challenge the ruling.

How can I avoid getting a fine?

You should not receive a fine if you correctly pay your Dartford Crossing toll or “Dart Charge”.

The amount you need to pay for crossing the Dartford Crossing depends on the type of vehicle and whether or not you already have an account on the Government website.

Motorcycles, mopeds, and quad bikes can travel for free on the crossing.

Cars, including trailers, motorhomes, and minibuses with 9 or fewer seats, pay £2.50 as a one-off payment or £2 if they have an account.

Buses, coaches, vans, and other goods vehicles that are vehicle class C with two axles pay £3 as a one-off payment or £2.63 with an account.

D class vehicles with more than two axles pay £6 as a one-off payment or £5.19 with an account.

Drivers with disabilities who receive free UK vehicle tax due to that disability are exempt from paying the charge.

For local residents who pay Council Tax to Dartford borough council or Thurrock council, there are options for a discount on the Dartford Crossing charge.

Residents can pay £20 per year for unlimited usage of the crossing or pay £10 for 50 crossings, with an additional charge of 20p for each extra crossing.

How much is a fine and how do they track toll dodgers?

To enforce the payment of the Dart Charge, the Dartford Crossing utilizes automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology.

If you use the crossing without paying the charge, a penalty charge of £70 will be issued and sent to the address where your vehicle is registered.

However, if you pay the penalty charge within 14 days, the amount will be reduced by half to £35.

Failing to pay will increase the penalty charge to £105.

You will also still be responsible for paying the original fee.

A new service provider named Conduent has been appointed for vehicle identification, payment processing, and account management.

What if I have been incorrectly fined?

It is worth noting that there have been occasional misreadings of number plates by the automated system.

If you believe you have been unfairly fined, it is possible to appeal.

You can challenge the fine by completing the "representation slip" on your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and returning it to the Dart Charge Enforcement via post or alternatively online on the same page as where you would typically pay the PCN.

To challenge the fine online you will need , your vehicle registration number (number plate), your PCN reference number and evidence to show why your PCN was issued incorrectly.

Alternatively, you can contact the PCN contact centre by phone or send questions and complaints online about paying the fine.

Was the Dartford Crossing meant to be free?

According to the RAC, in 1999 the Government made an announcement that the Dartford Crossing would become toll-free by the end of 2003.

However, in 2001, the Government reversed its decision, and the agreement was no longer upheld.

Despite the original debt being repaid in 2002, fees were increased in 2014 with the implementation of the Dart Charge system.

Currently, the Government does not have any intentions to eliminate the road user charge at the Dartford Crossing.

In response to a now-closed petition, the Government stated that the charge exists to manage the demand for the crossing.

The rationale behind maintaining the charges is to prevent a significant increase in traffic volumes and subsequent congestion that would occur without these fees.

Do you think you have been incorrectly fined or faced problems with the Dart Charge service? Get in touch with us at amy.clarke@newsquest.co.uk.