Dartford Crossing

Spuff

Spuff

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,236
Name
Paul
Edit My Images
Yes
I'm only an occasional user of the Dartford Crossing - no more than a dozen times a year - but sod's law every time I use it I get stuck in a horrendous jam which always seems down to the inefficiencies of the toll booths. So it was with interest that I was reading about the changes to the toll infrastructure which I understand are only fully operational southbound at the moment.

Are there any regular users here and has it made any difference?
 
I went through on Wednesday evening at rush hour without delay (northbound). Southbound over the bridge was moving as well. Happy days.
 
jetsilver said:
I went through on Wednesday evening at rush hour without delay (northbound). Southbound over the bridge was moving as well. Happy days.
Click to expand...

So you're the one!!
I can't remember an evening since the booths were decomissioned - including yesterday evening - when the queues weren't reported to be back to at least Darenth.
 
Came through it both ways today. Northbound was as bad as it ever was, southbound OKish, but this was the middle of the day not rush hour.
Originally when it was first built we were told that as soon as it had been paid for the Tolls would go. Surprise surprise, they lied!
 
BBR said:
Originally when it was first built we were told that as soon as it had been paid for the Tolls would go. Surprise surprise, they lied!
Click to expand...
Well they were half right, the toll booths have gone :D
 
How do folk use/pay the crossings if there aren't any booths?
 
OldCarlos said:
How do folk use/pay the crossings if there aren't any booths?
Click to expand...

Online...by phone ....on account.
Much like the congestion charge.
Google dart charge.
 
Ah, ok. Cheers Ruth.

So what happens if an elderly driver who doesn't have the internet or a mobile, wants to cross? (must be other `groups` in society this will affect too)
 
And there is all the traffic coming from the Continent via Dover & Folkestone many of whom won't speaky de Inglish, maybe vouchers can be purchased at the channel ports.
 
Just reading that link you put up Paul & you can pay by midnight AFTER crossing! I bet there will be many folk caught out by the penalty charges when they return from their continental hols :rolleyes:

So how would they enforce the penalty charge for some jolly foreigner here on a day trip?
 
OldCarlos said:
So how would they enforce the penalty charge for some jolly foreigner here on a day trip?
Click to expand...
No doubt that they'd get away with it, rather like thier speeding fines,
But of course they pursue us "lawless Brits" to the ends of the earth :D
Just sayin' :D
 
With all the electronics controlling the world today they could ID them with ANPR and stop them at the Channel Ports and have a "chat"
 
Paul W. H said:
With all the electronics controlling the world today they could ID them with ANPR and stop them at the Channel Ports and have a "chat"
Click to expand...
Well yeah, they could, if they CBA ;)
 
Cobra said:
No doubt that they'd get away with it, rather like thier speeding fines,
But of course they pursue us "lawless Brits" to the ends of the earth :D
Just sayin' :D
Click to expand...

There was talk about British registered vehicles caught speeding in France getting tickets via the UK authorities so, if this is the case maybe it will work the other way.
 
Last edited:
Paul W. H said:
There was talk about British registered vehicles caught speeding in France getting tickets via the UK authorities so, if this is the case maybe it will work the other way.
Click to expand...

Doesntwork that way with continental trucks flashed for speeding in the UK.
They're simply not pursued.
 
Paul W. H said:
There was talk about British registered vehicles caught speeding in France getting tickets via the UK authorities .
Click to expand...
TBH I thought that was the case anyway?

Paul W. H said:
so, if this is the case maybe it will work the other way.
Click to expand...
As Ruth has already said, as I understand it they don't bother, hence
my slight sarcastic post above ;)
 
Didn't realise till i went through today. Went online but not very clear, paid £10 into my account and assuming they will collect the money from todays trips from that?
 
viv1969 said:
So you're the one!!
I can't remember an evening since the booths were decomissioned - including yesterday evening - when the queues weren't reported to be back to at least Darenth.
Click to expand...
Er yeah I went through again Thursday evening and it was busy but the traffic was moving way better than it ever did when the booths were operating...
 
I zipped through the crossing today during rush hour......No hold ups.....and definitely better than the past procedure...:)
 
This is my daily commute.

Heading north (ie tunnel), the barriers are still in place to control flow through the tunnel. They will remain until an alternative means of flow control is installed over the next couple of months. Transit through the barriers is a bit quicker, as you don't have to wait for the numpties to hunt around the car for the £2.50 or the left hand drives to scrabble accross to the booth.

Southbound (ie bridge) is a lot faster than it used to be - saves at least 20 minutes on Friday rush hour. Watch out for the 30mph limit as you swing around the toll booths - there are regularly police speed traps on this bit.

If you use it regularly, set up an account. £1.66 instead of £2.50 for cars.
 
It's been confirmed that foreign plate cars/lorries won't be charged, I think it's in the too difficult pile for chasing payment so they decided not to bother.
 
Time for me to use the m40 and avoid the place by going the other way round the m25
 
blakester said:
It's been confirmed that foreign plate cars/lorries won't be charged, I think it's in the too difficult pile for chasing payment so they decided not to bother.
Click to expand...

So instead of everyone who uses the crossing paying their share, the down trodden locals/Brits are subsidising Johnny foreigner ....... & those who live here using foreign plates. :rolleyes:
 
OldCarlos said:
So instead of everyone who uses the crossing paying their share, the down trodden locals/Brits are subsidising Johnny foreigner ....... & those who live here using foreign plates. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...


We are indeed the soft touch of the World.
Come here foks, commit crimes, evade our charges, get our benefits.
However, if we go abroad then be very careful, because you will be spot fined for motoring indiscretions, no matter how minor they may be.
Back in the Summer a mate of mine had his car damaged on the Dartford crossing approach by a Lithuanian lorry. He told his insurance and the police but nothing has been done.
Is it too much to ask that number plate recognition is used to charge these people when they try to leave the country?
 
blakester said:
It's been confirmed that foreign plate cars/lorries won't be charged, I think it's in the too difficult pile for chasing payment so they decided not to bother.
Click to expand...

It's ironic that the company that won the 7 year contract for collecting the dosh is the French toll group Sanef. You'd think they would at least be able to catch the French drivers :)
 
Tried the new go faster system today ....

Southbound. Went through just before 8 this morning, slowed to 25 mph. Pretty good :)
Northbound. Tried it at 10am, queued back onto the A2 so came home through the Blackwall tunnel. Pathetic :(
 
blakester said:
It's been confirmed that foreign plate cars/lorries won't be charged, I think it's in the too difficult pile for chasing payment so they decided not to bother.
Click to expand...
Can you say where it has been confirmed? The last I saw from the AA was that a European debt agency would be used but of course that may be for habitual offenders.
 
For me, northbound on Sunday morning was pretty good but southbound on Monday night was an absolute treat.
The true measure of success will be seen when all the alterations are finished in a few months I feel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top