Drivers could be bracing for traffic chaos on the M25 with global IT issues meaning that motorists are unable to pay for the Dartford Crossing.
Businesses, flights and banks have all been hammered by major technology outages relating to Microsoft and Crowdstrike issues, with warnings that a fix could take some time to roll out.
Data from National Highways traffic maps shows vehicles not moving along long stretches of the A282 in the lead-up to the Dartford Crossing as well as slow-moving traffic being felt in other areas.
There are fears that drivers travelling through the Dartford Crossing will be hit with extra fines since they are unable to pay the charges, with the Government website showing an error message.
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Traffic near the Dartford Crossing continues to worsen
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Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the official account of the Dart Charge, said: “A global IT incident is affecting parts of the Dart Charge service.
“Payments for crossings and top-ups are currently unavailable. You can still contact our call centres and access your account online.
“We’re monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as possible.”
People travelling with cars, motorhomes, passenger vans and smaller buses need to pay £2.50, while goods vehicles with two axles (vans and small trucks) pay £3 and the largest vehicles on the road need to pay £6 for a one-off payment.
However, people who regularly travel along the Dartford Crossing will pay £2, £2.63 or £5.19 depending on the vehicles they drive.
Drivers can be slapped with a £70 fine if they do not pay the Dart Charge, with the fine being reduced if they pay within 14 days or increased to £105 if they refuse to address the charge.
People trying to pay for the Dart Charge had been taking to social media sites to question whether there were issues and what could happen in the coming hours.
One motorist said: “I’m unable to process payment on either of my cards, is this linked to the Microsoft issues?
“Also will I get charged for a crossing I made yesterday when I’m unable to pay?”
Another commented: “Tried paying several times with different cards today. I’m not paying the fine if you can’t get your systems working.”
A third driver added: “Been trying to pay for a crossing yesterday for last few hours. Error every time.”
Some people have also reported payment issues at supermarkets around the country preventing people from paying, with fears this could impact petrol stations.
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The Dartford Crossing is one of the most popular routes in the UK
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A Morrisons spokesperson stated: “We are experiencing some issues with payment in some stores this morning. We are working hard with our partners to resolve this issue.”
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s confirmed to GB News that it had not seen any impact at its petrol stations or in stores, but clarified that it would continue to monitor the situation.
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