The Highways Agency has started the hunt for a contractor to install and operate a new toll system at the Dartford Crossing in a deal worth up to £478m.The agency is introducing “Free Flow” tolls at the crossing in a bid to cut congestion.The contract involves changing the road layout at the site and the design,build and operation of a new tolling system for the 43m vehicles which use the crossing every year.The tender race for a separate civils package worth £75m was started last month.Any new system would use number plate recognition to allow vehicles to use the crossing without having to stop at traditional toll gates.The contract includes a massive software and back-office toll collection operation and will run for at least eight years.The agency is looking for a single contractor or a consortium to deliver the scheme.Firms must express an interest in the job by October 29 with Highways Agency Lateral, 8 City Walk http://highways.bravosolution.co.uk George Crawshaw LS11 9AT Leeds UNITED KINGDOM +44 1132835893 george.crawshaw@highways.gsi.gov.uk