The number of PCNs being issued for non-payment of the Dart Charge has increased by 50%. The figures, obtained by Fleet News through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, show that problems with the payment system are creating widespread issues for fleet operators.
In the three months prior to the new operator taking over the system, 190,000 PCNs, on average, were being issued each month. Since the start of the year this has increased to an average of 277,000 PCNs, with more than 305,000 fines issued in January alone.
Problems with the Dart Charge payment system have been blamed for thousands of fines being issued. Issues have included accounts being suspended, numberplates not being recognised and crossing charges not being automatically paid, despite funds being available.
The change of administration for the Dartford Crossing in July 2023 had no effect on the exclusive BVRLA member-only processes for transferring liability via a spreadsheet.
See the BVRLA website for details of the exclusive process for BVRLA members regarding transferring liability for the Dartford Crossing: BVRLA Dart Charge.
See the BVRLA’s training course: Penalty Charge Notice Masterclass.
