Almost 180,000 motorists in England have faced or are facing visits from bailiffs, officially known as enforcement agents, for failing to pay the Dartford Crossing charge, new data reveals.
Scale of the Crackdown
Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request show that a staggering 178,554 drivers have been subject to enforcement action. The data indicates that agents recovered a minimum of £400 from each of this year's door-knock visits. A spokesperson for National Highways confirmed that each visit sought a minimum sum of £427.50. This amount is comprised of an unpaid crossing fee of £117.50 plus an additional £310 in compliance and enforcement fees.
Criticism and the "Profiteering" Charge
The policy has drawn sharp criticism from motoring groups. The Association of British Drivers (ABD) has labelled the ongoing charge as profiteering. Brian Gregory, the ABD's policy director, expressed strong discontent, reminding the public of past promises.
"The promises made on that in the past were that once the crossing was paid for, then they would stop charging the toll," Mr Gregory stated. "And they’ve done the opposite. It smacks of profiteering, to say the least."
He further criticised the government's approach to road users, describing it as "all stick and no carrot," and called for a "better social contract from government."
Official Process and How to Avoid Action
National Highways has outlined its enforcement process, emphasising that using enforcement agents is a last resort. A spokesperson explained: "Customers get at least four letters over 10 weeks before any enforcement visit."
The authority encourages drivers to make contact early if they have issues with payment. They can be reached online, by phone, email, or post to resolve matters fairly. It is crucial for drivers to remember that the Dart Charge must be paid by midnight the day after crossing. Payments for future crossings are valid for 12 months and are used automatically on the next journey.
The spokesperson added: "We understand that anything associated with finances can be stressful, and we encourage customers to contact us early... so we can resolve issues fairly."
