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A Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Investigation has found the percentage of people who failed to pay the Dart Charge on time rose following a change in provider a year ago.

More than a million users of the automatic payment system for the river crossing between Essex and Kent didn't revalidate their details before the switch-over point.

The proportion of crossings not paid for on time rose from six to eight per cent according to information obtained through a freedom of information request.

National Highways says more than 94 per cent of journeys are paid correctly and on time.

It added: "We work hard to help people avoid a penalty wherever possible.

"Enforcement agents are only used as a last resort to chase up non-payment, and only when a warrant has been authorised by the courts.

"Since the issues experienced by customers last year, we have increased staffing at our customer contact centre to reduce call wait times and continue enhancing our website using customer feedback."

It added that its website met accessibility standards for people with dyslexia.

Charlotte Rose has been speaking with some of the drivers affected.

(Photo credit: John Fairhall/Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú)

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