Miranda Blake
News & Updates • 3 min read

Dart Charge account – simplify your payments

Created: 08/11/2024

Updated: 19/06/2025

Understanding the intricacies of the Dart Charge system is essential to ensure a seamless and cost-effective experience when using the Dartford Crossing. Familiarising yourself with the payment options, account management, and potential pitfalls can save you from unnecessary fines and headaches.

Understanding the Dart Charge System

The Dartford Crossing, a vital aspect for commercial traffic, is managed by a sophisticated electronic payment system known as the Dart Charge. This innovative system was introduced to enhance the efficiency of toll collection, eliminating the need for traditional toll booths and enabling drivers to pre-pay or pay online by the end of the day.

Dart Charge explained

Wondering what exactly the Dart Charge is? It refers to the payment method used for the Dartford Crossing. The system was implemented to improve traffic flow and provide a more convenient payment experience for users.

Crossing the Dartford Crossing: payment options

Drivers have three primary options when it comes to paying the Dart Charge:

  1. Pre-pay account: Customers can set up a pre-pay account, which offers automated billing and a discounted crossing rate. Such a hassle-free approach ensures that payments are made seamlessly, with the account being automatically debited for each crossing.
  2. One-off payments: For those who don't have a pre-pay account, the option to pay online, by phone, or at Payzone retail outlets is available. Payments can be made in advance or by midnight the following day.
  3. Free crossings: The Dartford Crossing is free to use between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, providing a cost-effective option for nighttime journeys.

Dart Charge rates: understanding the costs

Curious as to what the Dart Charge rates are? These vary depending on the vehicle class and whether the customer has a pre-pay account or is making a one-off payment. Here’s a breakdown of the current charges:

You can also read more tips on payment and other aspects for new drivers here.

Managing your Dart Charge account

Maintaining your Dart Charge account is crucial for avoiding fines and streamlining your crossings. Let’s explore the key aspects of account management.

Setting up a Dart Charge account

Establishing a Dart Charge account is a straightforward process. Customers can visit the official Dart Charge website, click "Start now," and select the "Sign in or set up a Dart Charge account" option. Alternatively, they can open a pre-pay account by downloading and submitting an application form.

Logging in and resetting passwords

Accessing your Dart Charge account requires the email address registered on the account. If you've forgotten your password, the link on the sign-in page will guide you through the process of creating a new one.

Updating personal details and vehicle information

Changing your name, address, or the vehicle registration numbers associated with your account can be done by logging into your Dart Charge account, navigating to the "Account management" and "Profile" or "Vehicle management" sections, and making the necessary updates.

Viewing crossing history and statements

Customers can review their crossing history and account statements by logging into their Dart Charge account. This feature allows you to track your usage and ensure that all payments have been properly recorded.

Dormant and suspended accounts

If your Dart Charge account becomes inactive due to a lack of vehicle registration, valid payment method, or recent crossings, you can reactivate it by addressing the underlying issue. Similarly, a suspended account can be unsuspended by topping up the balance or making payments for any outstanding crossings.

Closing your Dart Charge account

When it’s time to close your Dart Charge account, you can do so by logging in, navigating to the "Account management" section, and selecting the "Close account" option. Any remaining balance will be refunded using the same payment method.

Dartford Crossing payments with SNAP

SNAP Account offers a convenient solution, providing several benefits for drivers and fleet operators.

Seamless payment process

The system automatically handles the payment for each crossing, eliminating the need to remember to pay or deal with Dart Charge directly.

Guaranteed on-time payment

You’ll never receive a charge for late payment. This helps avoid potential fines or penalties associated with missed or late payments, providing peace of mind.

Consolidated billing

We simplify your financial management by including the Dartford Crossing transactions on the same invoice as your other SNAP Account activities. Such consolidation makes it easier to track and manage your expenses.

Time-saving

By automating the payment process, we save drivers valuable time. There’s no need to stop and make individual payments or remember to pay by midnight the following day, as is required when paying directly through the government's Dart Charge system.

Integration with other services

Our Dartford Crossing service is part of a broader ecosystem of road transport services. This integration allows users to manage multiple aspects of their journey, including parking, washing, and fueling, through a single platform.

Cost control for fleet operators

For businesses managing multiple vehicles, we provide an efficient way to control and monitor the Dartford Crossing expenses. The consolidated billing and automated payment system helps streamline accounting processes and reduce the administrative burden associated with managing individual crossings. By leveraging SNAP Account for the Dartford Crossing payments, drivers and fleet operators can enjoy a more efficient, reliable, and stress-free experience when using this crucial transport link.

Want to learn more about how to save money on the road? Check out our article on fuel saving tips along with our truck driver’s guide to budgeting.

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Wednesday 04 June 2025 • News & Updates

THE IMPACT OF THE 2025 IBERIAN PENINSULA BLACKOUT ON ROAD HAULAGE

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On 28 April 2025, a widespread power outage swept across the Iberian Peninsula, leaving millions of homes, businesses and public services in Spain and Portugal without electricity. The Spain-Portugal blackout, which began at 12:33pm local time, affected major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon and Porto, as well as large parts of the surrounding regions. In some areas, power returned within four to six hours; in others, the disruption lasted well into the following morning.Although the precise cause is still under investigation, early reports suggest a failure in the cross-border transmission network disrupted electricity flow across both national grids. The impact was swift and widespread, halting train services, grounding aircraft, affecting hospitals and public services and paralysing digital infrastructure. For the transport and logistics sector, the challenge was immediate, touching every aspect of road-based operations, from freight and fuel supply to traffic control and driver welfare.“When power fails, so do many of the systems we rely on to keep roads safe – from traffic lights and signage to communications,” says Raquel Martinez, European Sales Manager at SNAP. “For both drivers and fleet operators, the 2025 blackout highlighted just how quickly routine journeys can become high-risk and how important it is to be aware of where drivers can stop to maintain the security of themselves and their loads.”For transport firms, the first and most pressing issue was the suspension of freight movement. Across the Iberian Peninsula, operations at warehouses, fulfilment centres and cross-docking hubs slowed or stopped entirely. 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Friday 16 May 2025 • News & Updates

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Wednesday 16 April 2025 • News & Updates

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF 20MPH SPEED LIMITS FOR FLEETS?

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