View source for Finance:Dartford Crossing

{{Short description|Tunnel and bridge between Kent and Essex, UK}}
{{Infobox building
| name          = Dartford Crossing
| former names  = 
| image         = Dartford Crossing - geograph.org.uk - 1194694.jpg
| caption       = Aerial view of the crossing looking northwards. The toll booths were replaced by electronic charging barriers in 2014.
| opened_date   = November 1963 (western tunnel){{Clear}}May 1980 (eastern tunnel){{Clear}}October 1991 (bridge)
| building_type = 2 tunnels{{Clear}}1 cable-stayed bridge
| map_type      = United Kingdom Greater London#Essex#Kent#United Kingdom motorways
| map_caption   = Location near London##Location in Essex##Location in Kent##Location on the UK motorway network
| map_dot_label = {{nowrap|Dartford Crossing}}
| coordinates   = {{coord|51|27|53|N|0|15|31|E|region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| location      = Dartford, Kent {{Clear}} Thurrock, Essex
| height        = {{convert|200|ft|m}} (bridge deck)<br />{{convert|449|ft|m}} (bridge tower)
}}

The '''Dartford–Thurrock River Crossing''', commonly known as the '''Dartford Crossing''' and until 1991 the '''Dartford Tunnel''', is a major road crossing of the River Thames in England, carrying the '''A282''' road between Dartford in Kent in the south and Thurrock in Essex in the north. 

It consists of two bored tunnels and the cable-stayed '''Queen Elizabeth II Bridge'''. The only fixed road crossing of the Thames east of Greater London, it is the busiest estuarial crossing in the United Kingdom, with an average daily use of over 130,000 vehicles.{{sfn|Pickford|Blythe|2006|p=256}} It opened in stages: the west tunnel in 1963, the east tunnel in 1980 and the bridge in 1991. The crossing, although not officially designated a motorway, is considered part of the M25 motorway's route, using the tunnels northbound and bridge southbound. Described as one of the most important road crossings in Britain, it suffers from heavy traffic and congestion.

The crossing's development started in the late 1930s, but was interrupted due to the [[Social:World War II|Second World War]] and resumed in the 1950s. The original tunnel catered for a single lane of traffic in each direction, but rising traffic levels required the second tunnel to be built. The M25 connected to the tunnels at both ends when completed in 1986, and the increased traffic put pressure on the tunnels' capacity. A [[Finance:Private finance initiative|private finance initiative]] scheme was started in 1988 to build the bridge. The combined crossing now handles four lanes of traffic in each direction.

The crossing has always been [[Engineering:Toll road|tolled]], and though the cost of construction has since been paid back, the toll was retained, and rebranded as a [[Finance:Congestion pricing|congestion pricing scheme]] from 1 April 2003. Since 2008 it has been free from 10 pm to 6 am. An automatic number plate recognition charging scheme named the "Dart Charge" began in November 2014. As a result, the booths on the Kent side were removed and the charge is now only payable online, by post, or in participating retail outlets. A residents' scheme is available, offering discounts for people living near the crossing.

==Location==
{{maplink |frame=yes |frame-align=left |frame-width=250 |frame-height=200 |text=A282 road (crossing and its approaches) highlighted in green |from=Dartford Crossing.map }}
The crossing spans the River Thames between Dartford, Kent, to the south and Thurrock, Essex, to the north. It is about {{convert|20|mi}} east of the centre of London, outside the Greater London boundary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dartfordarchive.org.uk/technology/communication_drc.shtml|title=Dartford River Crossing: Innovation in Civil Engineering|first=Robert|last=Simpson|publisher=Dartford Town Archive|access-date=12 July 2014}}</ref> The two tunnels are {{convert|4690|ft|m}} long,<ref name=AATrust>{{cite web|url=http://www.theaa.com/public_affairs/reports/dartford_tunnel_test_2004.pdf|title=Tunnel Test 2004 – Dartford Tunnel|date=September 2004|page=3|publisher=AA Motoring Trust|access-date=22 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108211825/http://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-costs/dartford-crossing-dart-charge|archive-date=8 January 2017}}</ref> while the cable-stayed bridge is {{convert|449|ft|m}} high{{efn|For ships, the individual arch clearance is {{convert|54.1|m|ft}} and the main arch span clearance is {{convert|60.2|m|ft}}, both above [[Earth:Mean high water spring|mean high water spring]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pla.co.uk/Safety/Thames-Bridges-Heights|title=Thames Bridges Heights|publisher=Port of London Authority|access-date=7 August 2016}}</ref>}} with a main span of {{convert|450|m|ft}}.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_h39X2cspQ0C&q=dartford+crossing+450+metres&pg=PA26|title=Bridge|first=Peter|last=Bishop|publisher=Reaktion Books|page=26|year=2008|isbn=978-1-861-89346-8}}</ref> A {{convert|50|mph|km/h|adj=on}} speed limit is in place in both directions.<ref name=limits>{{cite report|url=http://assets.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/the-dartford-thurrock-river-crossing/A282_Dartford_Crossing_High_Winds_Protocol.pdf|title=Protocol for operating the A282 Dartford – Thurrock River Crossing during periods of strong winds|publisher=Highways England|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108173459/http://assets.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/the-dartford-thurrock-river-crossing/A282_Dartford_Crossing_High_Winds_Protocol.pdf|archive-date=8 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>  North of the river, the rail line High Speed 1 (between St Pancras and Ebbsfleet International Stations) passes under the approach roads at a near right angle.<ref>{{cite map|title=East London, Billericay & Gravesend|id=Sheet 177|publisher=Ordnance Survey|scale=1:50,000}}</ref>

The design capacity is 135,000 vehicles per day, but in practice the crossing carries around 160,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/cost-of-motoring/dartford-crossing-dart-charge.html|title=Dartford crossing – Dart Charge|publisher=Automobile Association|date=23 November 2015|access-date=5 August 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812211547/http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/cost-of-motoring/dartford-crossing-dart-charge.html|archive-date=12 August 2016}}</ref> It has been described by the Highways Agency as "a vital transport link for the national and South East economies",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/9904891.__25million_to_ease_hold_ups_at_Dartford_Tunnel/|title=£25million to ease hold-ups at Dartford Tunnel|first=Lucy|last=Kirby|work=Kent Echo|date=31 August 2012|access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> by the former Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, as "a crucial part of the country's strategic road network",<ref name="km_francis">{{cite news|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/two-thames-crossing-options--20197/|title=Two Thames crossing options|first=Paul|last=Francis|work=Kent Messenger|date=15 July 2014|access-date=15 July 2014}}</ref> and by the local Thurrock Council as "one of Europe's most heavily used crossings and complex traffic management systems".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/thames-crossing/dartford-crossing-local-resident-scheme|title=Dartford Crossing local resident scheme|publisher=Thurrock Council|access-date=5 August 2016}}</ref> It is signed as a major destination on London's orbital route, the M25, though the crossing and its approach road are an all-purpose road (the A282),{{efn|Highways England describe the crossing as "a trunk road link (A282) in the M25 London orbital motorway",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/dartford-crossing-remote-payment-scheme/|title=Dartford Crossing Remote Payment Scheme|publisher=Highways England|date=February 2016|access-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810223726/http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/dartford-crossing-remote-payment-scheme/|archive-date=10 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the crossing has been described as part of the M25 by Auto Express<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-news/89626/drivers-face-up-to-3m-in-weekly-fines-on-the-dartford-crossing|title=Drivers face up to £3m in weekly fines on the Dartford Crossing|journal=Auto Express|date=30 March 2016|access-date=8 August 2016|quote="There are no longer any toll booths at the Dartford Crossing on the M25."}}</ref> and ''The Independent''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/m25-dartford-crossing-millions-of-motorists-face-fines-as-crossing-prepares-to-switch-from-toll-9846554.html|title=M25 Dartford crossing: Millions of motorists face fines as crossing prepares to switch from toll-bridge to 'free flow' system|newspaper=The Independent|date=7 November 2014|access-date=8 August 2016}}</ref>}} allowing some (though not all) non-motorway traffic to use it. Southbound traffic crosses the four-lane bridge, while northbound traffic uses both of the two-lane road tunnels. The bridge can be closed due to high winds<ref name=limits/> or maintenance. On these occasions, traffic uses the tunnels in both directions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/closures-and-diversions-at-dartford-crossin-a104592/|title=Closures and diversions at Dartford Crossing|work=Kent Messenger|date=30 September 2008|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> The crossing and its approaches, like most UK urban motorways, are equipped with lane control and variable message signs to manage traffic.

===Alternative routes===
The next nearest vehicle crossings to the west of Dartford are the Woolwich Ferry and the Blackwall Tunnel, both well within East London.  When the bridge is closed in high winds and for maintenance, no convenient diversion exists through London for the higher-limit southbound vehicles. Those over {{convert|5.03|m|ft}} are diverted around the far side of the M25.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/dartford-crossing-gantries-17162/|title=Dartford Crossing to get tunnel and bridge closures as Dart Charge introduced and gantries installed near QEII bridge|first=Thom|last=Morris|work=Kent Messenger|date=14 May 2014|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

A number of new crossings have been proposed as relief for the Dartford Crossing. The proposed Thames Gateway Bridge to the west was provisionally supported in 2004,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2004/oct/20/communities.environment|title=Troubled waters|newspaper=The Guardian|date=20 October 2004|access-date=6 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://modgov.lbbd.gov.uk/internet/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=704|title=Decision details : Thames Gateway Bridge – Consultation|publisher=Barking & Dagenham Council|date=24 September 2004|accessdate=4 January 2022}}</ref> but was cancelled in November 2008 when Boris Johnson became Mayor of London.<ref>{{cite press release| url = http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_mayoral/mayor-outlines-ten-year-plan-massive-transport-expansion| title = Mayor outlines ten year plan for massive transport expansion| date = 6 November 2008| access-date = 11 July 2010| publisher = Transport for London| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629165406/http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_mayoral/mayor-outlines-ten-year-plan-massive-transport-expansion| archive-date = 29 June 2011}}</ref> Johnson subsequently proposed the Gallions Reach Ferry, a ferry crossing in the same location, as an alternative.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/andrew-adonis-boris-cant-put-off-a-new-thames-crossing-in-the-east-8653336.html|title=Boris can't put off a new Thames crossing in the east|author=Andrew Adonis|newspaper=London Evening Standard|date=11 June 2013|access-date=26 June 2013}}</ref> The Lower Thames Crossing is a proposed tunnel to the east between Shorne, Kent and South Ockendon, Essex.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23237945|title=Lower Thames Crossing: 'More M25 misery' if option agreed|work=BBC News|date=15 November 2016|access-date=6 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=bbc_39575467>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-39575467|title=Lower Thames Crossing route between Kent and Essex revealed|work=BBC News|date=12 April 2017|access-date=26 April 2017}}</ref> Thurrock Council suggest that this crossing will be essential for managing congestion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23237945|title=Tunnel recommended for new Thames crossing|work=BBC News|date=9 July 2013|access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> A public consultation on the scheme ended in March 2016, with the route announced in April 2017,<ref name=bbc_39575467/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/cip/lower-thames-crossing-consultation|title=Lower Thames Crossing Consultation|publisher=Highways England|date=25 March 2016|access-date=5 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/12/new-river-thames-road-crossing-route-unveiled/|title=New River Thames road crossing route linking Kent and Essex unveiled|date=12 April 2017|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=22 January 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref>
though Highways England do not expect to start construction before 2022.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/new-thames-crossing-will-not-100138/|title=Campaigners insist Highways England's plans for a Gravesend Crossing will not help Dartford traffic|work=Kent Online|date=4 August 2016|access-date=5 August 2016}}</ref>

==Charges==
[[File:Dartford Crossing Tolls - geograph.org.uk - 169071.jpg|thumb|Overhead view of the crossing looking northbound. The toll booths were replaced by electronic charging barriers in 2014.]]

A free-flow [[Finance:Electronic toll collection|electronic charging system]] called '''Dart Charge''' began in November 2014 based on automatic number plate recognition. The charge can be paid online or phone, in advance or by midnight the day after crossing, but can no longer be paid in cash at the site since the old toll booths have been removed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dart-charge-dartford-crossing-remote-payment|title = Dart Charge: Dartford Crossing remote payment|date = 1 December 2014|access-date = 2 December 2014|website = Gov.uk}}</ref> However, cash payments are accepted at some Payzone retail outlets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge|title=Pay the Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge)|publisher=HM Government|access-date=26 July 2017}}</ref> Reminder signs and variable message signs on approaches to the crossing say "Dart charge – find us online. Pay by midnight tomorrow."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/458103/Essex.pdf|title=Dart charge : Essex charging signs|publisher=Highways England|access-date=7 August 2016|archive-date=8 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108180749/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/458103/Essex.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/458102/Kent_.pdf|title=Dart charge : Kent charging signs|publisher=Highways England|access-date=7 August 2016}}</ref> Vehicles have to pay the charge if they use the crossing between 6&nbsp;am and 10&nbsp;pm seven days per week, and this is indicated on signs. Daily charges for the crossing since October 2018 are:<ref name="dt">{{cite web|url=http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/home.php|title=Dart Tag|publisher=Highways Agency|access-date=2 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715201955/http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/home.php|archive-date=15 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="km20141105"/>
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Day charges
|-
! scope="col" | Vehicle class
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Pay-as-you-go
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Pre-paid accounts
|-
| Motorcycles
| Free
| Free
|-
| Cars, motorhomes, small minibuses
| £2.50
| £2.00<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/dart-charge-increased-by-20-187983/|title=Dartford Crossing: Dart Charge increasing to £2 for account holders|work=Kent Online|date=1 October 2018|access-date=15 October 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 2-axle buses, coaches, vans, goods
| £3.00
| £2.63
|-
| Multi-axle goods, coaches
| £6.00
| £5.19
|}

Various categories of vehicles are exempt from the charge, including emergency services vehicles, military vehicles and those exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty on the grounds of disability.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/index.php?page=exemptscheme |title=Exempt scheme |publisher=Dart-tag.co.uk |access-date=28 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208014434/http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/index.php?page=exemptscheme |archive-date=8 February 2011 }}</ref>

The charges vary according to the type of vehicle. Motorcycles are free but there are standard charges for cars, two-axle goods vehicles and larger vehicles with more than two axles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/index.php?page=charges_and_discounts |title=Charges and Methods of Payments |publisher=Dart-tag.co.uk |access-date=28 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404010547/http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/index.php?page=charges_and_discounts |archive-date=4 April 2011 }}</ref> Drivers who fail to pay the charge are issued with a penalty charge notice.<ref name=":0" /> There are no signs warning of penalty charges.

Since 2008, a local residents' scheme gives 50 crossings to car drivers resident in the Dartford and Thurrock council areas for an annual registration fee of £10, with additional crossings at 20p each.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/index.php?page=lrscheme |title=Local residents scheme |publisher=Dart-tag.co.uk |access-date=28 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325152017/http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/index.php?page=lrscheme |archive-date=25 March 2012 }}</ref> On 1 March 2014,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/greater-discounts-for-4000-local-residents-at-dartford-thurrock-crossing |title=Greater discounts for local residents |publisher=gov.uk |access-date=11 March 2014}}</ref> this scheme was extended to include privately owned two-axle goods vehicles. A further option was introduced giving unlimited crossings for £20 annually.<ref name="dt"/> Around 44,000 drivers take advantage of this scheme each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/record-number-of-local-residents-signed-up-for-dartford-crossing-discounts|title=Record number of local residents signed up for Dartford Crossing discounts|publisher=Highways England|access-date=7 August 2016}}</ref> Although the website for paying the charge is operated by the UK Government, the day-to-day operations are run by French public roads operator Société des Autoroutes du Nord et de l'Est de la France (SANEF) on behalf of the Government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/crossing-deal-6624/|title=French firm awarded crossing deal|work=Kent Online|access-date=9 August 2018}}</ref>

==History==

===Western tunnel{{anchor|Dartford Tunnel Act 1930|Dartford Tunnel Act 1937}}===
[[File:Dartford tunnel boring 1936.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Engineering:Tunnel boring machine|Tunnel boring machine]] used in the western tunnel, 1936.]]
{{Infobox UK legislation
| short_title           = Dartford Tunnel Act 1930
| type                  = Act
| parliament            = Parliament of the United Kingdom
| long_title            = An Act to authorise the construction of a tunnel under the river Thames between Dartford in the county of Kent and Purfleet in the county of Essex and approaches to such tunnel and for other purposes.
| year                  = 1930
| citation              = 20 & 21 Geo. 5. c. clxxxii
| introduced_commons    = 
| introduced_lords      = 
| territorial_extent    = 
| royal_assent          = 1 August 1930
| commencement          = 
| expiry_date           = 
| repeal_date           = 
| amends                = 
| replaces              = 
| amendments            = Dartford Tunnel Act 1937
| repealing_legislation = Dartford Tunnel Act 1967
| related_legislation   = 
| status                = repealed
| legislation_history   = 
| theyworkforyou        = 
| millbankhansard       = 
| original_text         = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Geo5/20-21/182/pdfs/ukla_19300182_en.pdf
| revised_text          = 
| use_new_UK-LEG        = 
| UK-LEG_title          = 
| collapsed             = yes
}}
{{Infobox UK legislation
| short_title           = Dartford Tunnel Act 1937
| type                  = Act
| parliament            = Parliament of the United Kingdom
| long_title            = An Act to authorise a variation of the works authorised by the Dartford Tunnel Act 1930 to amend that Act in certain respects and for other purposes.
| year                  = 1937
| citation              = 1 Edw. 8. & 1 Geo. 6 c. cxxvii
| introduced_commons    = 
| introduced_lords      = 
| territorial_extent    = 
| royal_assent          = 30 July 1937
| commencement          = 
| expiry_date           = 
| repeal_date           = 
| amends                = Dartford Tunnel Act 1930
| replaces              = 
| amendments            = 
| repealing_legislation = Dartford Tunnel Act 1967
| related_legislation   = 
| status                = repealed
| legislation_history   = 
| theyworkforyou        = 
| millbankhansard       = 
| original_text         = 
| revised_text          = 
| use_new_UK-LEG        = 
| UK-LEG_title          = 
| collapsed             = yes
}}

The idea of a tunnel crossing was first proposed by the Ministry of Transport in 1924.<ref name='New Thames Tunnel'>{{cite news|newspaper=The Times|title=New Thames Tunnel|date=20 December 1924}}</ref> Initial reports at the start of the year suggested a crossing between Tilbury and Gravesend, replacing a ferry service,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1924/feb/28/gravesend-tilbury-tunnel#S5CV0170P0_19240228_HOC_172|title=Gravesend – Tilbury Tunnel|first=Harry|last=Gosling|date=28 February 1924|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|access-date=30 April 2014}},</ref> but this had been rejected by July in favour of a route further upstream, near Dartford.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1924/jul/31/air-force-estimates-1924-25#S5CV0176P0_19240731_HOC_441|title=Air Force Estimates 1924–25|first=Charles|last=Burney|date=31 July 1924|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref> By 1929, the total cost of building the tunnel had been estimated at £3 million (equivalent to £{{inflation|UK-GDP|3|1929}} million in {{inflation-year|UK-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|UK-GDP}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1929/apr/16/thames-tunnel-scheme#S5CV0227P0_19290416_HOC_59|title=Thames Tunnel Scheme|first=Wilfrid|last=Ashley|date=16 April 1929|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref> The tunnel was planned to be part of a general orbital route around London and was provisionally known as part of the "South Orbital Road".{{sfn|TMA|2004|p=xxxii}} The Dartford Tunnel Act 1930 (20 & 21 Geo. 5. c. clxxxii) authorised the construction of the tunnel, and set tolls to be charged for its use. It was amended by the Dartford Tunnel Act 1937 (1 Edw. 8. & 1 Geo. 6. c. cxxvii) to adjust the design and increase the permitted tolls.

[[File:Dartford crossing approach.jpg|thumb|Northbound vehicles approaching the entrance to the western tunnel, with the bridge in the background]]
The first engineering work to take place was a [[Physics:Compressed air|compressed air]] driven pilot tunnel, which was drilled between 1936 and 1938.{{sfn|Jardine|McCallum|2013|p=246}} Work on the tunnel was delayed due to World War II, and resumed in 1959, using a [[Engineering:Tunnelling shield|Greathead Shield]], similar to the work on the Blackwall Tunnel some 60 years earlier.{{sfn|Jardine|McCallum|2013|p=246}} The delay in work due to the war allowed the tunnel's design to be improved, which included a better ventilation system. After negotiations with the Ministry of Transport, Kent and Essex county councils obtained government approval to increase the previously set tolls in 1960, before opening.{{sfn|TMA|2004|p=846}} The two-lane bore tunnel{{sfn|Banister|Berechman|2003|p=65}} opened to traffic on 18 November 1963;<ref name=AATrust/>{{sfn|Fautley|Garon|2004|p=263}} the total project cost was £13 million (equivalent to £{{inflation|UK-GDP|13|1963}} million in {{inflation-year|UK-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|UK-GDP}})<ref name="km">{{cite news|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/golden-birthday-for-dartford-tunnel-9011/|title=Golden birthday for Dartford Tunnel|work=Kent Messenger|date=18 November 2013|access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref> and it initially served approximately 12,000 vehicles per day.{{sfn|Banister|Berechman|2003|p=65}}

{{anchor|Dartford Tunnel Act 1967|Dartford Tunnel Act 1984}}
{{Infobox UK legislation
| short_title           = Dartford Tunnel Act 1967
| type                  = Act
| parliament            = Parliament of the United Kingdom
| long_title            = An Act to authorise the construction of a further tunnel under the river Thames between West Thurrock in the county of Essex and Dartford in the county of Kent with approaches thereto; to consolidate with amendments the Dartford Tunnel Acts, 1930 to 1962; to confer further powers in connection with the works authorised by those Acts and the new works; and for other purposes.
| year                  = 1967
| citation              = 1967 c. xxxvii
| introduced_commons    = 
| introduced_lords      = 
| territorial_extent    = 
| royal_assent          = 27 July 1967
| commencement          = 
| expiry_date           = 
| repeal_date           = 
| amends                = 
| replaces              = {{ubli|Dartford Tunnel Act 1930|Dartford Tunnel Act 1937}}
| amendments            = 
| repealing_legislation = Dartford Tunnel Act 1984
| related_legislation   = 
| status                = repealed
| legislation_history   = 
| theyworkforyou        = 
| millbankhansard       = 
| original_text         = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1967/37/pdfs/ukla_19670037_en.pdf
| revised_text          = 
| use_new_UK-LEG        = 
| UK-LEG_title          = 
| collapsed             = yes
}}
{{Infobox UK legislation
| short_title           = Dartford Tunnel Act 1984
| type                  = Act
| parliament            = Parliament of the United Kingdom
| long_title            = An Act to repeal the Dartford Tunnel Act 1967 and to re-enact certain provisions of that Act with amendments; to confer further powers in connection with the works authorised by that Act and by Acts repealed by that Act; and for other purposes.
| year                  = 1984
| citation              = 1984 c. xvii
| introduced_commons    = 
| introduced_lords      = 
| territorial_extent    = 
| royal_assent          = 26 July 1984
| commencement          = 
| expiry_date           = 
| repeal_date           = 
| amends                = 
| replaces              = 
| amendments            = 
| repealing_legislation = Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988
| related_legislation   = 
| status                = repealed
| legislation_history   = 
| theyworkforyou        = 
| millbankhansard       = 
| original_text         = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1984/17/pdfs/ukla_19840017_en.pdf
| revised_text          = 
| use_new_UK-LEG        = 
| UK-LEG_title          = 
| collapsed             = yes
}}
The toll was originally two shillings and sixpence, equivalent to 12.5p post-[[Finance:Decimalisation|decimalisation]], and approximately equivalent in purchasing power to £{{Formatprice|{{Inflation|UK|0.125|1963|{{inflation-year|UK}}}}}} in {{inflation-year|UK}}.{{Inflation-fn|UK}}<ref name="moate">{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1984/feb/06/dartford-tunnel-bill-lords|title=Dartford Tunnel Bill|first=Roger|last=Moate|date=6 February 1984|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> The Dartford Tunnel Act 1967 (c. xxxvii) gave a joint committee of Kent and Essex county councils (the Dartford Tunnel Joint Committee) the authority to increase the tolls, and in December 1977, the toll was raised from 25p to 35p for cars, 40p to 55p for two-axle goods vehicles, and 60p to 85p for HGVs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/47409/page/15818/data.pdf|title=Dartford Tunnel : Proposed Increase In Tolls|newspaper=London Gazette|date=16 September 1977|access-date=7 July 2014}}</ref> By 1984, the toll for cars had risen to 60p.<ref name="moate"/>

===Eastern tunnel===
[[File:Dartford Tunnel Ventilation Shaft - geograph.org.uk - 4416.jpg|thumb|A ventilation shaft to the north of the east tunnel]]
The first tunnel was expected to carry two million vehicles a year<ref name="km"/> but by 1970 was carrying over eight million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1975/jul/07/dartford-tunnel#S5CV0895P0_19750707_CWA_135|title=Dartford Tunnel|first=Neil|last=Carmichael|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|date=7 July 1975|access-date=25 May 2014}}</ref> That year, Michael Heseltine, then a junior transport minister, announced that a second tunnel would be built in conjunction with the North Orbital Road, later to become the M25.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1970/nov/20/dartford-tunnel-and-north-orbital-road#S5CV0806P0_19701120_CWA_157|title=Dartford Tunnel and North Orbital Road|first=Michael|last=Heseltine|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|date=20 November 1970|access-date=25 May 2014}}</ref>

Construction was approved in April 1971, with an initial expected opening date in 1976.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1971/apr/28/second-dartford-tunnel#S5CV0816P0_19710428_HOC_45|title=Second Dartford tunnel|first=Graham|last=Page|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|date=28 April 1971|access-date=25 May 2014}}</ref> Work was delayed due to a lack of funds, which was resolved by EEC funding granted in 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1975/apr/08/european-investment-bank-grants-london#S5CV0889P0_19750408_CWA_108|title=European Investment Bank Grants (London)|first=Edmund|last=Dell|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|date=8 April 1975|access-date=25 May 2014}}</ref> The second tunnel opened in May 1980, allowing each tunnel to handle one direction of traffic, by which time the joint capacity of the two tunnels had increased to 65,000 vehicles per day.{{Sfn|Banister|Berechman|2003|p=65}} Connection of the crossing to the M25 was completed on the northerly Essex side in September 1982 (Junction 31), and to the southerly Kent side in September 1986 (Junction 1a).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ciht.org.uk/motorway/m25stats.htm |title=The M25 – Statistics |publisher=Chartered Institute of Highway Technicians |access-date=25 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525234033/http://www.ciht.org.uk/motorway/m25stats.htm |archive-date=25 May 2014 }}</ref> Following the completion of the M25 in 1986, the daily demand had grown to 79,000 vehicles.{{Sfn|Banister|Berechman|2003|p=65}}

===Queen Elizabeth II Bridge===

[[File:Queen Elizabeth II Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 122668.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Each tower on the Queen Elizabeth II bridge is {{convert|137|m|ft}} high.]]

During the early 1980s, it was anticipated that traffic through the tunnel would rise on the completion of the M25 in 1986. At the time, the expectation was that other routes in London would be improved instead, diverting 15% of traffic away from the tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1984/jun/19/dartford-tunnel#S6CV0062P0_19840619_CWA_43|title=Dartford Tunnel|first=Lynda|last=Chalker|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|date=19 June 1984|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In 1985, the Transport Minister, Lynda Chalker, announced that the number of toll booths would be increased to 12 each way, but concern grew that two tunnels would not be able to cope with the full demands of a completed M25.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1985/oct/21/dartford-tunnel#S6CV0084P0_19851021_HOC_460|title=Dartford Tunnel|first1=Cyril|last1=Townsend|first2=Nicholas|last2=Bonsor|first3=Lynda|last3=Chalker|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|date=21 October 1985|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

Between September 1985 and December 1986, proposals for improvements to the Dartford Crossing underwent several changes,{{sfn|H.M. Stationery Office|1989|p=30}} and in 1986, a Trafalgar House consortium won a bid to build a new bridge at Dartford crossing, valued at £86 million (£{{inflation|UK-GDP|86|1986}} million in {{inflation-year|UK-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|UK-GDP}}).{{sfn|Banister|Berechman|2003|p=65}} At the time there were several other privately financed projects planned or under construction in the UK, including the Second Severn Crossing. From 1981 until the establishment of the [[Finance:Private finance initiative|private finance initiative]] (PFI) regime in the late 1980s, private investment projects were governed by the Ryrie Rules which dictated that "any privately-financed solution must be shown to be more cost-effective than a publicly-financed alternative, and that privately-financed expenditure by nationalised industries could not be additional to public expenditure provision" [annual budget], "which would be reduced by the amount of private finance borrowed."{{sfn|House of Lords: Select Committee on Economic Affairs|2010|p=9}}

{{anchor|Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988}}
{{Infobox UK legislation
| short_title           = Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988
| type                  = Act
| parliament            = Parliament of the United Kingdom
| long_title            = An Act to provide for the construction of a bridge over the river Thames between Dartford in Kent and Thurrock in Essex and of associated works; to provide for the Secretary of State to be the highway authority for the highways passing through the tunnels under that river between Dartford and Thurrock and their approaches instead of Kent and Essex County Councils; to provide for the levying of tolls, by a person appointed by the Secretary of State or by the Secretary of State, in respect of traffic using the crossing; to provide for transfers of property and liabilities of those Councils to the person appointed and the Secretary of State and for the transfer to the Secretary of State of property and liabilities of the person appointed on termination of his appointment; to provide for the management of the crossing, including the imposition of prohibitions, restrictions and requirements in relation to traffic, and otherwise in relation to the crossing; and for connected purposes.
| year                  = 1988
| citation              = 1988 c. 20
| introduced_commons    = 
| introduced_lords      = 
| territorial_extent    = 
| royal_assent          = 28 June 1988
| commencement          = 
| expiry_date           = 
| repeal_date           = 
| amends                = 
| replaces              = Dartford Tunnel Act 1984
| amendments            = 
| repealing_legislation = 
| related_legislation   = 
| status                = 
| legislation_history   = 
| theyworkforyou        = 
| millbankhansard       = 
| original_text         = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/20/contents/enacted
| revised_text          = 
| use_new_UK-LEG        = 
| UK-LEG_title          = Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988
| collapsed             = yes
}}
On 31 July 1988, a private finance initiative concession was enabled under the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988 (c. 20), which transferred control of the crossing from Kent and Essex county councils to Dartford River Crossing Limited, a private company managed by Rodney Jones.{{sfn|The Institution|1992|p=10}} The company would also bear the debt of the bridge, then under construction, "financed 100% by debt, with no equity contribution".{{sfn|ITF|2013|p=42}}{{Efn|An alternative source says "near" 100% rather than 100% explicitly.{{sfn|Miller|Lessard|2001|p=177}}}} The private company was at risk of not recuperating their costs, but ultimately the Dartford scheme demonstrated that the Ryrie Rules were no longer a barrier to the private financing of public infrastructure projects.{{sfn|Hodge|Greve|Boardman|2010|p=529}} The concession was scheduled for 20 years from the transfer date, with a stipulation that it could end when debts had been paid off, which was agreed to have been achieved on 31 March 2002.{{sfn|HA|2014|p=5}} According to the ''International Handbook on Public-Private Partnership'', the chief financing for the project came from a "20-year subordinated loan stock, 16-year loan stock and £85 million (£{{inflation|UK-GDP|85|1988}} million in {{inflation-year|UK-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|UK-GDP}}) as a term loan from banks".{{sfn|Hodge|Greve|Boardman|2010|p=529}} The construction contract was let to a joint venture of Kværner, Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company and the Cementation Company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=105  |title=Queen Elizabeth II Bridge|publisher=Engineering Timelines|access-date=18 September 2021}}</ref>

Construction of the bridge started immediately after the creation of the PFI in 1988.<ref name="ha_about">{{cite web|url=http://www.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/managing-our-roads/improving-our-network/the-dartford-thurrock-river-crossing/about-the-crossing/|title=About the Crossing|publisher=Highways Agency|access-date=2 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153646/http://www.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/managing-our-roads/improving-our-network/the-dartford-thurrock-river-crossing/about-the-crossing/|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was designed by German civil engineer {{Interlanguage link multi|Hellmut Homberg|de}}, with the UK's Halcrow Group acting as category 3 check engineer, employer's agent and engineering adviser.<ref name="Simpson-27Jun1991">{{cite news |last1=Simpson |first1=Jim |title=Dartford Bridge Supplement – Design Group Sir William Halcrow Has Many Roles in the Project. (1 of 2) |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/28jun91-uk-dartford-bridge-supplement-design-group-sir-william-halcrow-has-many-roles-in-the-project-1-of-2-27-06-1991/ |access-date=29 June 2020 |work=Construction News |date=27 June 1991}}</ref> The two main [[Engineering:Caisson (engineering)|caissons]] supporting the bridge piers were constructed in the Netherlands. Each caisson was designed to withstand a [[Engineering:Bridge strike|bridge strike]] of a ship weighing up to 65,000 tonnes and travelling up to {{convert|18.5|kph|mph}}<ref name="et">{{cite web|url=http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=105 |title=Queen Elizabeth II Bridge |publisher=Engineering Timelines |access-date=2 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195958/http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=105 |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> The bridge deck is about {{convert|61|m|ft}} high, and it took a team of around 56 to assemble its structure. During construction of the approach road, a World War II bomb was found in its path, which required closure of the entire crossing.<ref name="pattison">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-15467112|title=The man who helped build the Dartford bridge|first=Jo|last=Pattison|work=BBC News|date=28 October 2011|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref>

The bridge was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 30 October 1991.{{sfn|TMA|2004|p=xiii}} The total cost of construction was £120&nbsp;million (£{{Formatprice|{{Inflation|UK-GDP|120000000|1990|r=-4}}}} in {{inflation-year|UK-GDP}}{{Inflation-fn|UK-GDP}}), including £30 million (£{{inflation|UK-GDP|30|1991}} million in {{inflation-year|UK-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|UK-GDP}}) for the approach roads.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg13217924.900-bridge-design-stretched-to-the-limits-cablestayed-bridgesare-a-type-of-suspended-crossing-spare-but-functional-they-exploit-a-formof-bridge-engineering-that-is-bringing-down-the-cost-of-progressively-longercrossings-.html|title=Bridge design stretched to the limits: Cable-stayed bridges are a type of suspended crossing. Spare but functional, they exploit a form of bridge engineering that is bringing down the cost of progressively longer crossings|journal=New Scientist|number=1792|first=Bill|last=O'Neill|date= 26 October 1991|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> The proposed name had been simply the Dartford Bridge, but Thurrock residents objected and suggested the Tilbury Bridge, leading to a compromise.<ref name="pattison"/> At the time of opening, it had the longest cable-stayed span of any bridge in Europe.<ref name="et"/> It is the only bridge across the Thames downstream of Central London to be opened since Tower Bridge in 1894.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://motorwayarchive.ihtservices.co.uk/en/publication/visualisation--policy/part-8-direction-of-policy-towards-the-future/|title=The Dartford Crossing – Forerunner of the Private Finance Initiative |first=Alan |last=Bailey|publisher=Chartered Institute of Highways Engineers|access-date=6 July 2014|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714171210/http://motorwayarchive.ihtservices.co.uk/en/publication/visualisation--policy/part-8-direction-of-policy-towards-the-future/|archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref>

{{Wide image|Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, Dartford, England - Feb 2009.jpg|800px|The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge as viewed from Greenhithe, {{cvt|1+1/2|mi|km|round=0.5}} east of the bridge in Kent|right}}

===Charging scheme===
In 2000, the [[Social:European Union|European Union]] issued a directive that [[Finance:Value-added tax|value-added tax]] should be charged on all road tolls, including the Dartford Crossing. The Government opposed the directive and said it would bear the additional cost.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/922119.stm|title=Europe imposes road toll VAT|work=BBC News|date=12 September 2000|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> It was anticipated that the tolls would be removed on 1 April 2003 under the original PFI scheme contract. However, the Highways Agency decided that the tolls would become a "charge", under legislation introduced by the Transport Act 2000 to introduce charging schemes on any trunk road bridge or tunnel at least {{convert|600|m|ft}} in length.{{sfn|HA|2014|p=5}}<ref>{{cite news| title = Motorists "let down" by toll u-turn|date = 1 April 2003|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2905225.stm|work = BBC News|publisher = BBC|access-date = 27 February 2008|quote = "From [1 April 2003] motorists should have been able to cross for free but the government's change of mind means car drivers still have to pay the £1 charge. The AA Motoring Trust, a new charity linked to the AA said the government had broken its promise to scrap the toll. In 1996, the consortium behind the bridge proposed building a second bridge at no extra cost to the Treasury, on condition that the concession period was increased to allow them to recover their costs and generate a profit."}}</ref>{{Sfn|Banister|Berechman|2003|p=65}}

Under the 2000 Transport Act, the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing charging scheme) Order 2002 allowed the continuation of the crossing fee, which officially became a charge and not a toll on 1 April 2003. Management of the crossing was contracted to Le Crossing Company Limited on behalf of the Highways Agency.{{sfn|HA|2014|p=6}} In September 2009 the Highways Agency made a new contract with Connect Plus (M25) Limited. As well as maintaining the crossing, the contract required the company to widen around 40 miles of the M25 and to refurbish a tunnel on the A1(M) at Hatfield.{{sfn|HA|2014|p=6}} In October 2009, the Government announced its intention to sell the crossing as part of a public sector deficit reduction strategy.<ref>
{{cite news
 | title = Gordon Brown's fire sale of public assets to raise £16bn
 | first = Allegra
 | last = Stratton
 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/oct/12/gordon-brown-public-asset-sale
 | newspaper = {{wipe|The Guardian}}
 | location = [[Place:London|London]]
 | date = 12 October 2009
| access-date = 11 July 2010
| quote = Not all of the assets are surprising, with chancellor Alistair Darling announcing last month that the government intended to sell off the Dartford crossing as part of its attempt to meet the £16bn target.
 }}
</ref> The announcement was unpopular with local residents, who encouraged drivers to sound their horns in protest when using the crossing.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/england/8644336.stm|title=Dartford Crossing future in doubt|work=BBC News|date=26 April 2010|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref>  After the change of government following the 2010 general election, the new prime minister David Cameron announced that the crossing might still be sold, despite local opposition, particularly from Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament (MP) for Dartford.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/8167032.DARTFORD__New_MP_vows_to_fight_Dartford_Crossing_sale_and_tolls/|title=DARTFORD: New MP vows to fight Dartford Crossing sale and tolls|work=News Shopper|date=16 May 2010|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> Subsequently, the chancellor George Osborne announced that charges would be increased instead to cover the budget deficit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11586160|title=Dartford Crossing toll charge to be increased|work=BBC News|date=18 June 2010|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> Pre-pay accounts for the crossing were introduced around this time; drivers held an [[Finance:Electronic toll collection|electronic device]] called a DART-Tag in the vehicle that automatically deducted the charge at payment booths.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/index.php?page=faq|title=Dart Charge – FAQ|publisher=Dart Tag (official website)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325064246/http://www.dart-tag.co.uk/nossl/index.php?page=faq|archive-date=25 March 2013}}</ref> This was abolished when the Dart Charge was introduced in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dart-charge-dartford-crossing-remote-payment|title=Dart Charge: Dartford Crossing remote payment|publisher=Highway Agency|date=16 December 2014|access-date=7 August 2016}}</ref>

Under the 2008 Charging Order introduced on 15 November 2008, charges between 10&nbsp;pm and 6&nbsp;am were discontinued, but standard daytime rates increased, starting at £1.50 for cars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/1951/body/made?view=plain|title=The A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2008|publisher=Highways Agency|date=21 July 2008|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> On 7 October 2012 the charges increased to £2 for cars, £2.50 for 2 axle goods vehicles and £5 for multi-axle goods vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18159668|title=Dartford Crossing toll charges set to rise|work=BBC News|date=22 May 2012|access-date=6 December 2016}}</ref> By 2012, local businesses were complaining that the crossing's charge booths were impeding local growth. The government announced that a new electronic charging system would be introduced in 2014. Drivers would be able to pay by phone, text, online or in shops.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20554969|work=BBC News|title=Businesses want Dartford Crossing toll booth removal speeded-up|date=30 November 2012|access-date=4 July 2014}}</ref> The charge was proposed to increase to £2.50 for cars, £3 for two-axle goods vehicles and £6 for multi-axle vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/revised-charges-to-improve-dartford-crossing|title=Revised charges at Dartford Crossing |first=Mike|last=Penning|publisher=Department for Transport|date=22 May 2012|access-date=7 July 2014}}</ref> Drivers not exempt and not paying the charge within 28 days are charged £105.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20168817|title=Dartford Crossing fines up to £105 when barriers removed|work=BBC News|date=1 November 2012|access-date=4 July 2014}}</ref>

Preparation work on the free-flow scheme started in April 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-27102777|title=Dartford free-flow crossing work begins|work=BBC News|date=22 April 2014|access-date=4 July 2014}}</ref> Concerns were raised about reliability, with a Highways Agency report predicting that it could lose up to £6m of unpaid charges per year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23334597|title=Dartford Crossing to lose '£6m a year in unpaid tolls'|work=BBC News|date=17 July 2013|access-date=4 July 2014}}</ref> In September, the Highways Agency announced that the new scheme would start to operate at the end of November, though related works to remove barriers would continue until April 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-29293449|title=Dartford Crossing cashless system date set|work=BBC News|date=20 September 2014|access-date=25 September 2014}}</ref> Subsequently, the date for removal of the booths was confirmed as 30 November.<ref name="km20141105">{{cite news|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/date-set-for-crossing-change-26502/|title=Dart Charge date fixed for November 30 when Dartford Crossing goes toll booth free|newspaper=Kent Messenger|date=5 November 2014|access-date=6 November 2014}}</ref>

The Dart Charge scheme was considered a success by the project management, who claimed it has reduced peak-time round trips over the crossing by 15 minutes. The Automobile Association said the scheme had faults, while a 2015 BBC report showed 1.8 million fines had been issued for failure to pay in the year since the charge was set up.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-34968025|title=More than 1.8 million fines at Dartford crossing under Dart charge|work=BBC News|date=30 November 2015|access-date=8 August 2016}}</ref>

In 2023, a system upgrade prevented many users from paying the Dart Charge, and National Highways temporarily extended its payment deadline to accommodate the problem.<ref name="Blunt-31Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=Blunt |first1=Rose |title=Dart Charge: Drivers struggling to pay for Dartford Crossing |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-66361486 |access-date=1 August 2023 |work=BBC News |date=31 July 2023}}</ref>

==Traffic==
{{As of|2015|3|31|post=,}} a total of 1,537,084,159 journeys had been made. The highest recorded daily usage was 181,990 on 23 July 2004; since then traffic levels have decreased.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dartford-Thurrock river crossing: traffic flow |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dartford-thurrock-river-crossing-traffic-flow |access-date=11 September 2022 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref> The total income for the financial year ended 31 March 2012 was £72,147,091, while the corresponding figure for the following financial year was £80,331,662.{{sfn|HA|2014|p=6}} A 2016 report by Highways England suggested the crossing is used around 50 million times a year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lower-thames-crossing.co.uk/about/|title=Lower Thames Crossing – About|publisher=Lower Thames Crossing (official website)|access-date=7 August 2016|archive-date=8 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108211700/http://www.lower-thames-crossing.co.uk/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Bus ===
There is currently one bus service that uses the crossing, the X80 operated by Ensignbus which runs between Lakeside Shopping Centre and Bluewater.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marius |first=Callum |date=12 March 2022 |title=The only bus route to use the Dartford Crossing with spectacular views of London |url=https://www.mylondon.news/lifestyle/travel/only-bus-route-use-dartford-23366503 |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=MyLondon |language=en}}</ref>

===Cycling===
Bicycles are not permitted on the crossing, but cyclists can be carried across the crossing by the transport authority. Section 27 of the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988 requires that this service be provided free of charge. Cyclists report to the crossing control offices on either side, using a free telephone service. The transfer takes around 15 to 30 minutes.<ref name="ha_top">{{cite web|url=http://www.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/managing-our-roads/improving-our-network/the-dartford-thurrock-river-crossing/|title=Improving our network : The Dartford – Thurrock River Crossing|publisher=Highways Agency|access-date=4 July 2014|archive-date=13 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013163148/http://www.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/managing-our-roads/improving-our-network/the-dartford-thurrock-river-crossing|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Dartford Tunnel bus.jpg|thumb|A bus designed to transport bicycles through the Dartford Tunnel in 1963]]
In October 1963, the Dartford Tunnel Joint Committee ordered five [[Engineering:Double-decker bus|double-decker]] buses based on the Ford [[Engineering:Thames Trader|Thames Trader]] chassis for special duties, taking cyclists through the Dartford Tunnel. These had a lower deck purpose-built for carrying bicycles, with upper deck seats for cyclists. Access was via a stairwell to the upper deck starting several feet above the level of the road, accessible from special platforms built at either end of the tunnel; there was also a ladder built into the side of the bodywork for access elsewhere. The design was criticised for failing to protect any passenger from falling off the vehicle, and running costs were estimated at £2,550 per month, with only £45 revenue. The joint committee contracted London Transport to operate the buses on their behalf. The service was reduced to one bus in April 1964 and then cancelled in 1965, to be replaced by the current transfer service using a vehicle with a rear cycle rack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/blog/ill-fated-cycle-bus/|title=The ill-fated cycle bus|first=Chris|last=Heather|publisher=The National Archives|date=21 November 2013|access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> One of these buses has been preserved.<ref name="Thames Trader - Country Bus">{{cite web|title=Thames Trader – Country Bus|url=http://www.countrybus.org/TT/TT.htm|work=Country Bus|access-date=29 October 2011}}</ref>

===Hazardous loads===
The transport of hazardous goods through the crossing is governed by the European ADR Agreement. The Dartford Crossing is class C, which restricts transporting goods such as nitrates and flammable liquids.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://intranet.rha.uk.net/docs/internet/hazardousgoods/ADR%20Tunnel%20Guide%2009.pdf|title=ADR Tunnel Codes explained|publisher=Road Haulers' Association|access-date=11 July 2014|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712233135/http://intranet.rha.uk.net/docs/internet/hazardousgoods/ADR|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/danger/publi/adr/adr2011/English/Part2.pdf|title=ADR Classifications : Part 2|publisher=United Nations|page=103|access-date=11 July 2014}}</ref> The introduction of the ADR scheme initially caused confusion, and for a short time, transporting aerosols through the tunnel was banned.<ref name="commercial motor">{{cite journal|url=http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/tunnel-troubles-hauliers-get-to-grips-with-adr-codes|title=Tunnel troubles: hauliers get to grips with ADR codes|first=Christopher|last=Walton|journal=Commercial Motor|date=3 August 2010|access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> Certain hazardous goods vehicles, together with some oversize and abnormal loads (if permitted), may require escorting by National Highways traffic officers. The crossing authority must hold exercises in conjunction with the emergency services. In 2006 Exercise Orpheus was held, involving the closure of both road tunnels for five hours.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/5065636.stm|title=Tunnels shut for safety exercise|work=BBC News|date=10 June 2006|access-date=7 July 2014}}</ref>

===Safety patrol===
The tunnel is patrolled by National Highways traffic officers. Officers may stop and direct traffic on the crossing and its approach roads, and must be in uniform to exercise their powers.<ref name="S28">{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/20/section/28|title=Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988 (section 28) |publisher=Ministry of Transport|work=National Archives|access-date=7 July 2014}}</ref> The crossing's speed limit is enforced by [[Engineering:Speed camera|speed camera]]s; between October 2012 and June 2014, 24,229 drivers were caught speeding, with some travelling as fast as {{convert|94|mph|km/h}}. A spokesman for Highways England said the cameras were "helping us improve safety and make journeys more reliable".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-27746483|title=Thousands caught speeding on Dartford Crossing|work=BBC News|date=7 June 2014|access-date=4 July 2014}}</ref> The bridge also has a reduced speed limit of {{convert|30|mph|km/h}} when [[Physics:Crosswind|crosswind]] is above {{convert|50|mph|km/h}} or headwind above {{convert|60|mph|km/h}}, and is closed entirely if Britain's national weather service, the [[Company:Met Office|Met Office]], predicts crosswind above {{convert|60|mph}} or headwind above {{convert|70|mph}}.<ref name=limits/>

===Congestion===
The crossing is the busiest in the United Kingdom, with an average daily use of around 160,000 vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 April 2018 |title=Dartford Crossing |url=https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/what-do-civil-engineers-do/dartford-crossing |access-date=8 April 2021 |website=Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/dartfordthurrock-river-crossing-toll-charges-to-rise-7778496.html|title=Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing toll charges to rise|first=Peter|last=Woodman|work=The Independent|date=22 May 2012|access-date=13 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sevenoakschronicle.co.uk/Dartford-Crossing-celebrates-golden-milestone/story-20094476-detail/story.html|title=Dartford Crossing celebrates golden milestone|work=Sevenoaks Chronicle|date=18 November 2013|access-date=13 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714221443/http://www.sevenoakschronicle.co.uk/Dartford-Crossing-celebrates-golden-milestone/story-20094476-detail/story.html|archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> The crossing has high levels of congestion, especially at peak times - with high levels of air pollution impacting neighbouring Thurrock and Dartford.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 March 2017 |title=Dartford Crossing excluded from pollution assessments |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-39152942 |access-date=8 April 2021}}</ref>

Because the design capacity has been exceeded, the crossing is subject to major traffic congestion and disruption, particularly when parts are closed because of accidents or bad weather. Though the government was adamant that the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge should be designed to avoid closure due to high winds,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1987/jul/09/dartford-thurrock-crossing-bill|title=Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Bill|work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)|first=James|last=Couchman|date=9 July 1987|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> the bridge has nevertheless had to close on occasions. On 12 February 2014, during the winter storms, it was closed owing to {{convert|60|mph|km/h|adj=on}} winds,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26159208|title=QE2 Bridge at Dartford Crossing reopens after closure|work=BBC News|date=12 February 2014|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> and again on the evening of 13–14 February 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/basildon/11012099.Drivers_warned_of_QE2_Bridge_closure_this_evening/?ref=rss|title=30mph speed restriction on QEII bridge at Dartford crossing|work=Kent Echo|date=14 February 2014|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref>

At busy times there was significant delay at the payment booths when these existed. Because there are numerous junctions on either side of the crossing, a high proportion of local traffic mixes with long-distance traffic, for example travelling from the North and Midlands onwards to Continental Europe.{{sfn|Champion|1995|pp=91–92}} In 2004, a BBC survey reported that the crossing was "the most stressful section of the M25"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/3541515.stm|title=Most stress at Dartford crossing|work=BBC News|date=8 March 2004|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> while in 2009, the crossing was listed in a Royal Automobile Club report as the fourth most congested road in Britain.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/dartfords-crossing-misery-is-of-a98426/|title=Dartford's crossing misery is official!|work=Kent Messenger|date=27 April 2009|access-date=7 July 2014}}</ref> Though Highways England have reported greatly improved journey times since automatic charging was introduced, local MP Gareth Johnson claims otherwise and has insisted that the Lower Thames Crossing, along with improved signing around Dartford, are better options to reduce congestion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-34398780|title=Kent talks over Dartford crossing 'worst motorway'|work=BBC News|date=30 September 2015|access-date=8 August 2016}}</ref> In 2015, he said the crossing was Britain's worst stretch of motorway.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-34424478|title=Better signage call for Dartford crossing, MP says|work=BBC News|date=3 October 2015|access-date=5 October 2015}}</ref> 

== Future ==
Since the 2000s, planning work has been underway regarding another crossing of the Thames to ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dartford River Crossing Study into Capacity Requirement |url=https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20100604222158/http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/capacityrequirements/dartfordrivercrossing/ |access-date=10 April 2022 |website=National Archives}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/london/2018-05-10/new-bridge-crossing-given-go-ahead-in-east-london/|title=New river crossing given go-ahead in East London|website=ITV News|date=10 May 2018}}</ref> Options considered included an additional crossing at Dartford for long distance M25 traffic, as well as new crossings located in the Swanscombe or Tilbury area.<ref name="DfT">{{cite web |date=20 April 2009 |title=Dartford River Crossing Study into Capacity Requirement |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/capacityrequirements/dartfordrivercrossing/chap1execsummary.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100513123749/http:/www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/capacityrequirements/dartfordrivercrossing/ |archive-date=13 May 2010 |access-date=27 June 2014 |publisher=Department for Transport}}</ref> 

In 2017, a route connecting the M25 at North Ockendon to the A2 at Thong was selected.<ref>{{cite news |date=12 April 2017 |title=Lower Thames Crossing Consultation |publisher=Highways England |url=https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/cip/lower-thames-crossing-consultation/}}</ref> The new road will be {{Convert|14.3|mi|km|abbr=|adj=}} in length, and have a {{Convert|2.6|mi|km|abbr=unit}} twin-bore tunnel crossing under the River Thames east of Gravesend and Tilbury. The crossing is estimated to cost between £6.4 billion and £8.2 billion, taking about six years to build once permission is granted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Road Investment Strategy 2: 2020–2025 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/951100/road-investment-strategy-2-2020-2025.pdf |page=90 actual doc page numbering or 96/131 pdf doc numbering}}</ref>

==See also==
*Thames Gateway
*Crossings of the River Thames
*Tunnels underneath the River Thames

==References==
'''Footnotes'''
{{notelist|30em}}

'''Citations'''
{{Reflist|30em}}

'''Bibliography'''
{{refbegin|30em}}
*{{cite book|last1=Banister|first1=David|last2=Berechman|first2=Joseph|title=Transport Investment and Economic Development|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-JqRAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA65|date=29 August 2003|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-80270-7}}
*{{cite book|title=The Motorway Achievement, Volume 1|editor-first=Ron|editor-last=Bridle|editor2-first=Peter|editor2-last=Baldwin|editor3-first=John|editor3-last=Porter|editor4-first=Robert|editor4-last=Baldwin|publisher=Thomas Telford|year=2004|isbn=978-0-7277-3196-8|ref={{harvid|TMA|2004}}}}
*{{citation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wyxG9-pDeIoC&q=%22dartford+crossing%22+congestion+history&pg=PA90|title=Bridge Modification: Proceedings of the Conference "Bridge Modification"|first=M.A|last=Champion|editor1-first=Brian|editor1-last=Pritchard|publisher=Thomas Telford|year=1995|isbn=978-0-7277-2028-3}}
*{{cite book|last1=Fautley|first1=M.P.B.|last2=Garon|first2=J.H.|title=Essex Coastline: Then and Now|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Hwl1Tefe1q4C|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Hwl1Tefe1q4C/page/n262 263]|date=1 July 2004|publisher=Matthew Fautley|isbn=978-0-9548010-0-7}}
*{{cite book|last1=Hodge|first1=Graeme A.|last2=Greve|first2=Carsten|last3=Boardman|first3=Anthony E.|title=International Handbook on Public-Private Partnership|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y_ySD3JABt0C&pg=PA529|date=1 January 2010|publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing|isbn=978-1-84980-469-1}}
*{{cite book|author=House of Lords: Select Committee on Economic Affairs|title=Private finance projects and off-balance sheet debt: 1st report of session 2009–10, Vol. 1: Report|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IApxcY7wcUwC&pg=PA9|date=17 March 2010|publisher=The Stationery Office|isbn=978-0-10-845964-1}}
*{{cite book|author=H.M. Stationery Office|title=M25 Review: The Report|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H7siAQAAIAAJ|year=1989|publisher=H.M. Stationery Office|isbn=978-0-11-550915-5}}
*{{cite book|author=The Institution|title=Highways and Transportation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S_ZVAAAAMAAJ|year=1992|publisher=The Institution}}
*{{cite book|author=ITF|title=ITF Round Tables Better Regulation of Public-Private Partnerships for Transport Infrastructure|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1SwDAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA42|date=26 September 2013|publisher=International Transport Forum, OECD Publishing|isbn=978-92-821-0395-1}}
*{{cite book|title=Engineering and Health in Compressed Air Work: Proceedings of the International Conference, Oxford, September 1992|editor1-first=F.M.|editor1-last=Jardine|editor2-first=R.I.|editor2-last=McCallum|publisher=Routledge|page=246|year=2013|isbn=978-1-135-82609-3}}
*{{cite book|last1=Miller|first1=Roger|last2=Lessard|first2=Donald R.|title=The Strategic Management of Large Engineering Projects: Shaping Institutions, Risks, and Governance|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M9aD1nqGgaoC&pg=PA177|publisher=MIT Press|isbn=978-0-262-26351-1|year=2001}}
*{{cite book|last1=Pickford|first1=Andrew T. W.|last2=Blythe|first2=Philip T.|title=Road User Charging and Electronic Toll Collection|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R-JRAAAAMAAJ|date=1 October 2006|publisher=Artech House|isbn=978-1-58053-858-9}}
*{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/276504/9780108560040.pdf|title=Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing Charging Scheme : Account 2012–2013|publisher=Highways Agency|date=January 2014|access-date=2 July 2014|ref={{harvid|HA|2014}}}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* [http://www.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/managing-our-roads/improving-our-network/the-dartford-thurrock-river-crossing/ Dartford River Crossing website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013163148/http://www.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/managing-our-roads/improving-our-network/the-dartford-thurrock-river-crossing |date=13 October 2014 }}
* [http://www.gov.uk/dart-charge Dart-Charge] – website for toll pre-payment and credits
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQYM69MbzKE British Pathe video of the first tunnel in 1957]


[[Category:Electronic toll collection]]

{{Sourceattribution|Dartford Crossing}}