The new barrier-free Dartford Crossing will now come into effect in late November, the Highways Agency announced today.

The delayed changes to a toll booth-free Dartford Crossing were originally due to begin in October.

The website, systems and infrastructure needed to operate the new arrangements have been installed and are being tested, the Highways Agency said, to ensure that they operate reliably and are easy to use.

Highways Agency project leader Nigel Gray said: “Dart Charge is a massive change for drivers using the Dartford Crossing and it’s only right that it is thoroughly tested before being introduced.

“We want to help drivers to be ready for the improvements we’re making at the Crossing. That’s why we are saying today that Dart Charge will start during late November" - Nigel Gray

“We want to help drivers to be ready for the improvements we’re making at the Crossing. That’s why we are saying today that Dart Charge will start during late November.

"We can reassure drivers that we’ll give them plenty of notice before the changes are introduced.

"They will have considerable time to sign up for a pre-pay account, which for most will be the easiest and cheapest way to pay the charge – with discounts of up to a third on every crossing.”

The full changes to the road layout will be finished by the end of April.

Until Dart Charge goes live, the current payment arrangements at the Crossing will continue - cash at the Crossing, through a DART-Tag or local residents account.

Further details about registering for pre-pay accounts are still to be announced.

The fee for cars is £2, but this is set to rise to £2.50 for cars, £3 for two-axle vehicles and £6 for HGVs once free-flow charging is implemented.

Drivers will have to pay through a range of methods - including phone, text, online and at shops.

But if they fail to do so, they face fines - increasing to £105 if not paid within 28 days.

It is hoped the new system, which in theory means no more queues and barriers, will improve traffic flow at the river crossing for the 140,000 to 150,000 vehicles that use it each day.