Is the Dartford Tunnel free at weekends and evenings 2022?

The Dartford Tunnel - or Crossing as it is correctly known - consists of two tunnels and the QE2 Bridge over the  River Thames between Kent, to the south and Thurrock, Essex, to the north - but do you have to pay to use it at weekends, evenings and bank holidays?.

Do I need to pay to use the Dartford Tunnel on a Sunday? (Credit: N Chadwick )

Do I have to pay the Dartford Tunnel at weekends?

Yes. During chargeable hours - 6am to 10pm - you will need to pay the relevant charge across the entire weekend period. 

Do I have to pay for crossings in the evening?

Evening crossing are chargeable up until 10pm, when the using the service becomes free until 6am the following morning.

Are the bridge and tunnels free on Sundays?

No. You will have to pay to use the tunnels and QE2 Bridge on a Sunday - during usual hours when payment is required, as it is always free to use between 10pm and 6am. 

Do I need to pay over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee holiday ?

Yes  despite the QE2 Bridge having its royal connection, you will still need to pay the charge over the Platinum Jubilee weekend as normal during chargeable hours .

When is it free to use?

Drivers will not need to pay for using the tunnels and QE2 Bridge between 10pm and 6am seven days a week.

Is the Dartford Tunnel free on Christmas Day 2022?

No. You will need to pay when using tunnels or bridge on Christmas Day. With many people visiting friends and family, drivers might not be familiar with the payment system now that booths have been removed. Read on to find out how to pay.

Is the Dartford Crossing free on Boxing Day?

No. You will need to pay the charge when using the bridge or tunnels on Boxing Day.

What about the rest of the Christmas period?

All users of the tunnels or QE2 Bridge will need to pay the charge across the entire Christmas period - during chargeable hours. 

Do I have to pay to use the crossing on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

Yes - you will need to pay the charge on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, during operational hours. 

Do I have to pay the Dartford Tunnel at Easter?

Yes, there are no treats for drivers using the Dartford Crossing - with payment as normal during standard charging hours for Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

Do I have to pay the charge both ways?

Yes - you will need to pay both ways. Failure to do this could result in a fine of up to £105 for each missed payment.

Can I pay the Dart Charge at toll booths?

The toll booths were removed in 2014 to help speed up the flow of traffic using the bridge and tunnels. The booths were replaced by a new system where users must either pay in advance, or by midnight the day after they cross. Failure to do this is likely to result in a fine of £70, which can be halved if paid within 14 days or increased to £105 if not paid within 28 days.

How do I pay now the toll booths have gone?

There are several ways to pay, but remember, you must pay by midnight the day after use at the latest. Payment methods for the tunnel and QE2 Bridge are as follows:

• Pay online by logging on to the Dart Charge payment system here. This is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• pay with cash at your nearest Payzone store
• set up an account by post
• pay in advance or top-up your account by post
• pay or set up an account by phone

Driver who want to pay can use the following numbers, between the stated hours:

Contact centre

Telephone: 0300 300 0120

Textphone: 18001 0300 300 0120

Every day, 8am to 8pm

How much does it cost to use during paid hours?

Official pricing is as follows:

Cars and motorcycles (each way)

	Vehicle class	One-off payment	If you have an account
Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes	A	Free	Free
Cars (including trailers), motorhomes and any minibuses that have 9 or less seats (including the driver’s seat)	B	£2.50	£2.00

Buses, coaches, vans and other goods vehicles (each way)

	Vehicle class	One-off payment	If you have an account
Vehicles with 2 axles	C	£3.00	£2.63
Vehicles with more than 2 axles	D	£6.00	£5.19

What are the fines if I forget to pay after using the tunnels and QE2 Bridge?

Forgetting to pay the Charge can result in a £70 fine. This will be halved to £35 if paid within 14 days, or increased to £105 if not paid within 28 days. And you will still be liable to pay for the charge.

Will I get a reminder that I need to pay after using the crossing?

No. There are no reminders sent out after a vehicle has used the tunnels or QE2 Bridge, it is the vehicle's registered keeper's job to pay the Charge.

Do electric cars pay the Dartford Crossing Dart Charge?

Yes. Electric cars and other EVs will need to pay the full Dartford Crossing Dart Charge without any discount. 

Is the Dartford Crossing QE2 Bridge closed due to Storm Franklin and other storms?

In stormy weather with gale-force winds, the QE2 Bridge can be closed to some or all types of traffic. This can cause long delays as all traffic is diverted through the tunnels, so check before you travel. The National Highways Twitter account will keep you up to date. Check the South East account for Dartford Crossing closures here.

I am disabled, do I need to pay to cross?

You will not need to pay to cross if you get free UK vehicle tax because of disability.

 

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