Case Study: Highways England reduces congestion and boosts economic benefits with PA Consulting

Making the difference by driving economic benefits

Highways England worked with PA Consulting to improve traffic flow at the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing, where more than 130,000 drivers a day were facing queues of up to 30 minutes at peak times. The delays were being driven largely by the toll booths and barriers, creating a major congestion challenge.

PA Consulting delivered an automated crossing solution that removed the payment booths, reconfigured the road layout, and introduced advance payment plus automatic number plate recognition so drivers could pay online or by phone. PA Consulting also led the tender for the charging and enforcement system, managed the provider, and supported a communications campaign. The result was journey times cut by up to 18 minutes, peak-time congestion cleared, around £100 million in annual revenue maintained, and an expected £1.3 billion in economic benefits over 30 years.

Highways England