Skip to main content

Eversheds gets Dartford Crossing deal flowing for Highways Agency

Global law firm Eversheds has advised the UK’s Highways Agency on the US$592 million contract for the implementation of a new free-flow charging system at M25 Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing. New technology which utilises number-plate recognition technology will allow drivers to use the crossing without having to stop at the barriers to hand over payment. Road users will be able to pay through a variety of methods including telephone, text, online and at retail outlets. Pre-paid accounts which qualify
October 22, 2013 Read time: 1 min
Global law firm Eversheds has advised the UK’s 503 Highways Agency on the US$592 million contract for the implementation of a new free-flow charging system at M25 Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing.
 
New technology which utilises number-plate recognition technology will allow drivers to use the crossing without having to stop at the barriers to hand over payment. Road users will be able to pay through a variety of methods including telephone, text, online and at retail outlets. Pre-paid accounts which qualify for discounted journeys will also be available.

French company 480 Sanef has been awarded the contract to design, implement, deliver and operate the new free-flow charging system.

Eversheds IT outsourcing partner Nick Blane, supported by procurement, advised the Highways Agency on the charging contract, with Dominic Lacey advising on the impacts to the existing contractual structures of the M25.

Related Content

  • Virginia presses ahead with tunnels upgrade despite tolls challenge
    July 30, 2013
    David Crawford reviews current developments and legal/financial issues facing tunnel management in Virginia. This autumn the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in the US will defend its plan to introduce tolling on the Elizabeth River tunnels linking the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth in the State’s Hampton Roads area. The tolling, which is due to start from February 2014, will be examined by the State’s Supreme Court later this year. The anticipated toll income, along with loans and bonds, is
  • Integrate systems to reduce roadside infrastructure
    January 27, 2012
    David Crawford reviews promising current developments. Instrumentation of the road infrastructure has grown to become one of the most dynamic sectors of the ITS industry. Drivers for its deployment include global concerns over the commercial and environmental pressures of traffic congestion, the importance of keeping drivers informed throughout their journeys, and the need to reduce accident rates and promote the safety of all road users, for example by enforcing traffic safety rules.
  • Foreign drivers cannot avoid paying Dart Charge, says RHA
    August 22, 2017
    The news that over one million non-UK drivers have managed to avoid paying the Dart Charge when travelling over the Dartford Crossing comes as little surprise to the Road Haulage Association *RHA). Speaking to BBC Kent, RHA policy director Duncan Buchanan said: “This issue was identified from the moment the Freeflow system was introduced, and it is still a problem. Foreign drivers should pay: it’s as simple as that. It is very concerning that there are still hauliers making the crossing for free.” Fin
  • New traffic safety system at Dartford Crossing
    May 22, 2015
    From 13 June a new traffic safety system will be in use on the A282 (M25) northbound approach to the Dartford crossing tunnels. The system will identify and stop oversized vehicles or those carrying dangerous goods from entering the tunnels. It will also enable dangerous goods vehicles to be escorted through the tunnels safely and stop traffic in the event of an incident in the tunnels. Electronic message signs on the approach to the traffic safety system will provide drivers with information relating