It's the end of an era for Kent drivers - as the toll booths are set to be removed at the Dartford Crossing at the end of this month.

The Highways Agency today confirmed the date that Dart Charge is to be introduced: Sunday, November 30.

It's when new payment arrangements are brought in that would do away with the barriers.

The last cash payment will be taken at the Crossing at around 10pm the day before.

Then, from 6am on the Sunday, drivers will have to pay the charge either in advance or by midnight the day after using the crossing.

Payments can be made online, by phone, by post or at a payzone outlet.

From today, drivers can go to www.gov.uk/dart-charge and set up a pre-pay account - to qualify for a third off every crossing after the change.

Malcolm Bingham, head of road network management policy at the Freight Transport Association said: "The payment booths cause significant congestion at the Dartford Crossing so we welcome the introduction of Dart Charge.

"The quicker journey times means reduced costs so this is good news for the freight industry.

"We will be encouraging all our members to sign up for pre-pay accounts so they can benefit from discounts on every crossing made.”

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said: “When I was first elected I said I wanted to improve the conditions at the crossing and this should go some way to achieving this for local residents.

“People in Dartford have had enough of congestion from the crossing and so as far as I am concerned the removal of the toll booths can’t come soon enough.

“Whilst no one is claiming this will end any chance of congestion in the area, it should make a noticeable difference to traffic flows around the Dartford Crossing.”

The charges will be as follows: