<P> The crossing had always been tolled, and from 1 April 2003 this became a charge, though since 2008 it has been free from 10 pm to 6 am . An automatic number plate recognition charging scheme (Dart Charge) began in November 2014 . As a result, the charge can no longer be paid in cash and the old toll booths have been removed . A residents' scheme is available, offering further discounts for people living near the crossing . </P> <P> The crossing spans the River Thames between Dartford, Kent, to the south and Thurrock, Essex, to the north . It is about 20 miles (32 km) east of the centre of London, outside the Greater London boundary . The two tunnels are 1,430 metres (4,690 ft) long, while the cable - stayed bridge is 137 metres (449 ft) high with a main span of 450 metres (1,480 ft). A 50 miles per hour (80 km / h) speed limit is in place in both directions . The high - speed rail line High Speed 1 from St Pancras International Station to Ebbsfleet International Station passes under the crossing approach roads on the north side of the river, at a near right angle . </P> <P> The design capacity is 135,000 vehicles per day, but in practice the crossing carries around 160,000 . It has been described by the Highways Agency as "a vital transport link for the national and South East economies", by the former Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, as "a crucial part of the country's strategic road network", and by the local Thurrock Council as "one of Europe's most heavily used crossings and complex traffic management systems". It is signed as a major destination on London's orbital route, the M25, though the crossing and its approach road are an all - purpose road (the A282), allowing traffic prohibited from motorways to use it . Southbound traffic crosses the four - lane bridge, while northbound traffic uses both of the two - lane road tunnels . The bridge can be closed due to high winds or maintenance . On these occasions, traffic uses the tunnels in both directions . </P> <P> The next nearest vehicle crossings to the west of Dartford are the Woolwich Ferry and the Blackwall Tunnel, both well within East London . There is no official diversion route through London for high vehicles . When the bridge is closed, vehicles over 5.03 metres (16.5 ft) are diverted around the M25 in the opposite direction . </P>

Who gets the money from the dartford crossing