Conduent Transportation has won a £128 million contract to implement and manage a free-flow charging solution for the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing of the River Thames east of London.
The crossing consists of two tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and is used by approximately 165,000 vehicles per day, making it one of the busiest road routes in the UK.
The deal with Highways England involves an 18-month deployment period, after which Conduent is to provide improved customer self-service capabilities, roadside equipment and number plate recognition technology.
Enhanced self-service options will facilitate payments for pre-paid and pay-as-you-go customers, the company adds.
According to Conduent, the free-flow solution will help to reduce vehicle congestion and emissions at the crossing.
Malcolm Dare, executive director, commercial and procurement at Highways England, says: “The removal of the payment booths and introduction of free-flow charging at Dartford in 2014 not only helped to reduce congestion for the growing number of people using the crossing, it also provided much more flexibility for people to pay.”
As part of the deal, Conduent is to provide account management, payment processing and customer support services, including a call centre.
