Highways England is preparing for the procurement of a free-flow charging solution for commencement of live service between 2021 and 2024 which is primarily driven by the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing existing road user charging scheme, and potentially any future road user charging schemes (e.g. Lower Thames Crossing).

One proposed element of the free-flow charging solution is Road User Charging Services (Package A), which comprises of vehicle identification, account management, payment processing, and associated customer services, which is the subject of this early engagement notice. Highways England wishes to consult with the market regarding the proposed approach for this package.

The other proposed elements of the free-flow charging solution are UK Enforcement Services (Package B) and Non-UK Enforcement Services (Package C). Package B and C are subject to a separate early engagement notice, and the current intention is to procure them under separate procurement exercises.

Interested parties should refer to the Prior Information Notice (PIN) (http://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:234644-2019:TEXT:EN:HTML) for further information.