This is how you can cross the Dartford Crossing for free seven days a week

You can use the service seven days a week

Motorists are charged a few pounds every time they cross the Dartford Crossing, which can be a hefty amount for those who use it regularly.

But for those who don’t want to pay up and not face a whopping £70 fine, there is a way out.

Did you know you could cross to the other side for free? The service had been around for awhile but for those who are not aware of it, all you need is a bike – probably a great proposition for anyone who wants to save the environment, is a bike enthusiast or just wants to get to the other side without paying the hefty fee.

You can’t cycle over the bridge or through the tunnel but what you can do is ask for a special pick-up vehicle to take you and your bike through the Dartford crossing at Essex Point or Kent Point – for free.

Standard pedal bikes

You can turn up and use the service without booking if your bike fits on a car’s bike rack.

Large groups and non-standard bikes

Contact Connect Plus in advance if you’re in a group of more than 3 cyclists or to take a bike that won’t fit on a car’s bike rack, for example tandems or bikes with a trailer.

How to use the service

Go to Kent Point or Essex Point and follow signs pointing to a yellow telephone. You can use the phone to request a pick-up. You don’t need a number – it’s a direct line.

Then all you have to do is wait in the designated area and a vehicle will arrive to take you and your bike through the crossing.

How long does it take?

It usually takes up to 15 minutes for the lift to arrive after you’ve called to request a pick up. It might take longer at rush hour or if there’s a traffic jam.

The Kent Point directions is at this address: Crossing Offices Roundabout, South Orbital Road, Dartford, DA1 5PR

The Essex Point directions is at this address: 859 London Road, Grays, Essex, RM20 3AT

You can also find Essex Point from the cycleway next to the entry slip road for junction 31 of the M25 (A282) clockwise.

Opening times

You can use the service 7 days a week, every day of the year, at these times: 3am to 9am; 10:30am to 2pm; 3pm to 9pm and 10:30pm to 2am.

Remember, there’s no service outside these times.

For more details, call Dart charge customer services on 0300 300 0120, or by textphone on 18001 0300 300 0120.

Or, email on customerservice@dartford-crossing-charge.service.gov.uk