An Ashford resident was shocked to find a bill drop through his door – for 2p!

Ted Prangnell, from Kennington, received a letter from Dart Charge, explaining that he owed money to the company, which operates the Dartford crossing.

But on closer inspection, retired Mr Prangnell discovered the ‘notification of account in debt’ claimed he owed just two pence.

The letter added Mr Prangnell must top up his account with a minimum of £10 and even went as far as to recommend he should set up a direct debit.

In response to the bill he received, Mr Prangnell sent Dart Charge a letter with two 1p coins attached and asked for a receipt in return.

Mr Prangnell said: “I do not believe I owe them any money at all, but to keep them quiet I sent a letter with two 1p coins attached and asked for a receipt.

“I did wonder whether it would be practical to pay such a small amount by cheque and decided against it.”

Mr Prangnell explained that he had tried to open an account with the company over the phone but Dart Charge took more than six months to verify.

Once he finally received the account number he tried to use the online service but soon gave up and bought tickets for the Thames crossing from a local shop.

He said: “I have a daughter in Cambridge but I don’t use the crossing very often. I’ve been three times since Christmas.

“I stuck the 2p on the letter with Sellotape and sent it back. I certainly didn’t expect a receipt back – what a waste of money!

“The postage alone would have cost about 80p. I think the whole thing is a bit ridiculous.

“I think they must have earned enough by now for us to use the thing for free.”

The pre-paid rate for a crossing in a normal car is £1.67. Six crossings, or three return trips, would cost £10.02.