Essex drivers anger at Dart Charge fines

A number of motorists have told the BBC they have been fined for using the Dartford Crossing after their Dart Charge accounts were unexpectedly closed.

One of them, Sarah Day from Colchester, says she racked up £200 in fines after she presumed the automatic payments had been taken.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "Ultimately, it is the customers responsibility to ensure, prior to making a crossing, that their account is open with correct details and has a valid payment method attached.

"Dartford Crossing has around 150,000 crossings per day, with the majority of customers accessing the service successfully to pay their road user charge.

If customers receive fines that they deem incorrect, a challenge process is available.

If successful, refunds are issued, though road user charges may still apply.”

(Picture credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty)