CHANGES at the Dartford Crossing to ease traffic chaos have met with a mixed response from drivers.

The scheme, called Dart Charge, was launched at the weekend and means motorists no longer need to stop at the barriers.

Instead, drivers pay online either in advance, or up to midnight the day after the crossing.

Some drivers have praised the new arrangements.

Sarah Langenberg said: “Traffic was not too bad today, but maybe everyone is off for Cyber Monday. The pre-pay system is very easy to set up. Let’s hope it does help.”

But plumber Colin Bishop, 48, said he faced long delays commuting from Gravesend to Basildon yesterday morning.

He said: “It was a nightmare.

This new system was meant to make things better, but I have not seen any improvement at all.

“I think one of the problems is, if you have not registered for a Dart Tag, then you get sent from your lane into a lane for a manned booth. Now there are fewer manned booths, open traffic snarls up.

“The crossing is always very busy, but I think to make this change at this time of year is stupid.

It’s also having a bit impact on the back roads.”

Last weekend hours of intensive road works took place to remove payment booths.

Nigel Gray, Highways Agency project director, said: “Dart Charge will change journeys at theDartfordCrossing for the better.

It will speed up journeys and ease congestion, generating big returns for the economy.

“We’re off to a good start, but this weekend’s launch of Dart Charge is just the beginning of a series of changes at the crossing.

“Already the southbound carriageway has been cleared of the payment booths, but work on the northbound carriageway will take longer because of the safety considerations of the tunnels.

“I’d encourage drivers to plan ahead when they’re using the crossing, so they’re up to date with any restrictions, and to drive with extra care through the roadworks.”