Appeals guide

Dartford Crossing Charge Appeal UK

Updated April 2026 · 5 min read

The Dartford Crossing — the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the Dartford Tunnels on the M25 — requires payment through the Dart Charge system. Failure to pay by midnight of the day after crossing results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from National Highways. These notices can be challenged, and the process leads to an independent adjudicator.

How the Dart Charge system works

Payment must be made online (dartcharge.co.uk), by phone (0300 300 0120), or via a registered account. Payment is due by midnight of the day after you cross. Registered account holders are charged automatically. There are no toll booths — cameras read your number plate as you cross.

The crossing charge is £2.50 for cars. If not paid in time, a PCN is issued for £35 if paid within 28 days, rising to £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 28 days of the charge certificate at a later stage).

Common reasons for incorrect PCNs

Many Dart Charge PCNs are issued in error. The most common situations:

• Payment was made on time but the system did not register it (website or phone payment errors are not uncommon).
• Payment was made to the wrong date (easy to do if crossing just after midnight).
• The vehicle is registered with an account but the PCN was sent to a previous keeper.
• The registration plate was misread by the camera (especially with similar-looking characters).
• The vehicle was sold to a new keeper before the crossing date but DVLA records have not updated.

Grounds most likely to succeed

Payment was made

Gather your proof of payment immediately: your Dart Charge account transaction history, bank or card statement showing the debit, or a phone payment reference number. Attach this to your appeal. National Highways routinely cancels PCNs where payment is clearly evidenced.

Wrong vehicle registration

Compare the registration shown on the PCN against your vehicle's actual plates. If there is any discrepancy, state this in your appeal and provide your V5C. Camera misreads are a documented issue at the Dartford Crossing.

Vehicle sold before crossing date

If you had sold the vehicle before the crossing date, provide the date of sale and the DVLA notification reference. If DVLA records had not yet updated, a copy of the sale documentation (V5C section completed by buyer, or a sale receipt) should support your appeal.

Free-flow disruption or emergency

If there was a verifiable technical issue with the Dart Charge system on the date of your crossing, or a genuine documented emergency, these can be raised. Check National Highways service status records if relevant.

The appeal process

Step 1: Informal challenge (within 28 days of PCN)

Appeal online at dartcharge.co.uk or in writing to National Highways, PO Box 9, Coventry, CV8 3PR. State your grounds and attach evidence. National Highways will either cancel the PCN or issue a Notice to Owner.

Step 2: Formal representations (within 28 days of Notice to Owner)

If your initial challenge is rejected, you receive a Notice to Owner. You have a further 28 days to make formal representations. National Highways must give reasons for rejection.

Step 3: Traffic Penalty Tribunal (free and independent)

If formal representations are rejected, you can appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. This is free and independent of National Highways. The adjudicator reviews the evidence from both parties and their decision is binding. The process can be conducted entirely online.

Should you pay the reduced amount?

The PCN offers a 50% reduction (to £17.50) if paid within 28 days. If you have no grounds to appeal, paying at the reduced rate is the most cost-effective option. However, if you have genuine grounds — especially proof of payment — do not pay, as this typically constitutes acceptance of the charge and the appeal right is lost.