If you forget to pay the Dartford Crossing charge online by the required midnight deadline, you will incur a penalty charge notice (PCN). The penalty for missing the payment deadline is significantly higher than the standard toll, making it crucial to ensure timely payment.
Here’s what happens if you miss the payment:
- Penalty Charges: The penalty charge is typically up to £70, but this can be reduced to pay dart charge if paid within a specified time frame (usually within 14 days). However, if you fail to pay the penalty within the given period, the charge may increase, and further enforcement action could be taken.
- Additional Fees: In some cases, persistent non-payment can lead to further administrative fees or court action. This may include additional fines, as well as enforcement measures such as vehicle clamping or removal.
- Legal Consequences: Continued failure to pay the toll or penalty charge can result in legal action. This may lead to a county court judgment (CCJ), which could affect your credit score.
If you realize that you missed the payment, it’s important to act quickly to pay the penalty or resolve the issue through the Dart Charge website or customer service.