Dartford Crossing

The UK’s Highways Agency (HA) has revealed details of Dart Change, a new safety system that will help to maintain safe operations at the Dartford Crossing.

The new system is said to have been tested over the last six months at a disused airfield using vehicles from a local haulage company.

It uses various detectors to identify the vehicles, signs to encourage drivers to get into the correct lane in good time, and barriers and traffic signals to control them with the help of lanes at the side of the main carriageway.

Highways Agency project director Nigel Gray said: "With Dart Charge, drivers no longer stop at a barrier to pay the crossing charge, speeding up journeys and reducing congestion."

"With Dart Charge, drivers no longer stop at a barrier to pay the crossing charge, speeding up journeys and reducing congestion."

With construction expected to begin in late January, the new system of traffic signals and barriers on the northbound carriageway is due for completion by early April.

Following the introduction of Dart Charge, journey time will be further improved when the old barriers are completely removed and the new system is in place.

The HA’s main service provider for the whole M25, Connect Plus, is carrying out construction work associated with the project.

Connect Plus transition director Erwan Huerre said: "Our construction work will be ongoing whilst we build the new tunnel safety system, consisting of new signals and barriers.

"It is important to remember that these barriers will be in the ‘open’ position most of the time, and will only need to be used when a non-compliant vehicle is detected."

HGV drivers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the future layout, to increase the effectiveness of the new system.

By detecting the type of vehicle and identifying whether it is carrying hazardous goods, the new system triggers a system of traffic signals and barriers that will stop the vehicle.

With the implementation of the new system, the vehicle will be diverted away from the tunnels in such a way that it causes minimum disruption and delay to all drivers using the northbound carriageway.

To promote the tunnel height and other restrictions at Dartford to ensure drivers comply with them, the HA is working with partners such as the Freight Transport Association, Road Haulage Association and other organisations, including those representing overseas haulage companies.

Image: With the new system in place the vehicle will be diverted away from the tunnels. Photo: courtesy of UK Government.