The installation of the new Dart Charge scheme at the Dartford Crossing will hold considerable benefits not just for users of the crossing in the years ahead, but also travellers across the whole of the region.

This is the view of head of road network management policy at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Malcolm Bingham, who argued the rollout of Dart Charge on Sunday (November 30th) was a significant milestone for transport infrastructure and communities across the region.

"The toll booths at Dartford have caused massive problems with congestion over the years and the free-flow system will hopefully see the end of the queues we have become used to there," he said.

"However, as the second phase of work continues, FTA is warning that we shouldn't expect to see the immediate benefits of Dart Charge as there is likely to be some disruption as the work is completed."

The new 'free flow' system being implemented at the crossing will ensure motorists no longer have to stop at toll booths every time they wish to use the structure, thereby significantly reducing delays and cutting down on associated tailbacks that have impacted upon nearby routes in the past.

Drivers are able to set up new pre-payment accounts for their use of the crossing, which also provides them with an added benefit of a reduction in fees. Meanwhile, travellers can also pay for their use of the crossing either online, via their mobile phones or through checking points at a range of nearby retailers and facilities.

All in all, the improvements are expected to deliver a considerable boost to traffic flows and to the local economy in general, as the new streamlined system will ensure more travellers – and freight operators in particular – are able to make use of the crossing than has been possible in the past.