THOUSANDS of drivers have been "wrongly" fined for using the Dartford Crossing due to "technical issues".
The number of motorists incorrectly charged has increased by more than half.
Payment-related problems for the "Dart Charge" meant that the system failed to register drivers who had paid the fare, resulting in fines for users.
The issue was raised last year when the National Highways switched providers to deal with vehicle identification.
Around 190,000 fines were issued in the there months before the new operator took over the system in July 2023.
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Motorists risk paying a £70 fine if they fail to pay the Dart Charge.
This is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days but sharply increased to £105 if the driver fails to pay altogether.
However, the technical fault has led to thousands of drivers being unnecessarily charged, Fleet News claimed.
Now, more than a million drivers are at risk of receiving fines for using the Dartford Crossing after the IT issue invalidated card payments, according to the National Highways.
Other technical glitches include accounts being suspended, number plates not being recognised and crossing charges not being automatically paid, despite funds being available.
The Dartford Crossing is a popular route for drivers going between Kent and Essex.
The charge should only cost £2.50, however, the IT issues have left many shelling out as much as £200.
Motorists can pay for their crossing between 6am and 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays.
Motorbikes, mopeds or quad bikes can cross for free, as well as those who get free UK vehicle tax because of a disability.
More than 50 million vehicles go across each year, with around 135,000 going through the toll every day.
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A National Highways spokesperson explained that all of its 1.7 million account holders had to re-validate their car details after the agency changed providers.
"A number of things can cause a Dart Charge account to close, including inactivity or invalid payment details," a spokesperson added.
"In these instances, several notifications are sent to advise the customer of the account status and detail actions needed."
It comes after drivers were warned to expect major delays following major maintenance plans on the Dartford Crossing.
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