DART CHARGE : Don't get caught out!

slicker55 · 11 Aug 2015 19:59

An ideal opportunity to spread the news...

We had a very near escape two weeks ago whilst heading to Europe for a driving holiday. As we approached the Dartford crossing, the wife started digging around in her purse for some change when suddenly... bam - no toll gates? (just piles of rubble where they had once stood) spoooooky! (no charge - too good to be true)... oh well, just carried on / didn't think much more of it. Then, whilst waiting to go into the cross-channel tunnel, there was an advert on the car radio mentioning the introduction of Dart Charge.

For those that don't know (and we didn't) you still have to pay to use the crossing (just like before) but the onus is now upon the driver to call a special telephone number .... wait for it.... within 24 hours to register your crossing and pay the appropriate fee (£2.50 per car for a single crossing). You can offer to put extra money into your account to pay for any future crossings (automated via ANPR system).

If you don't make the call within the stated time, you get an automatic fine of £70!

Since the introduction of this new system, Dartford operators have made millions from issuing fines to drivers who are simply unaware of the new system.

11 Aug 2015 20:03

That's sneaky

12 Aug 2015 03:16

In the 6 years I've lived in the UK I've been lucky enough never to cross it

I wonder whether they'll update the Severn crossing to this new system.

12 Aug 2015 19:13

Typical Britain, just when the government was supposed to be getting us out of a financial crisis. Thanks for that

.

12 Aug 2015 20:22

That is sneaky indeed...are there not any signs around the bridge telling you what you have to do?

Thanks for the warning.

sw3gameboy · 13 Aug 2015 18:29

More info about this here (+ loads of comments who aren't happy about this):
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/8 ... art-charge
Essentially, what this means, judging by the article, is that this system is criminalizing innocent users just to decrease congestion. Not cool UK

slicker55 · 13 Aug 2015 19:12

adgjl wrote:That is sneaky indeed...are there not any signs around the bridge telling you what you have to do? Thanks for the warning.

Well, to be fair guys, we passed over the crossing around 3am in the morning and didn't see any signs. We were both quite taken back (and distracted) by the all debris where the pay booths had once stood. I really do think this smacks of bad practice, designed to 'catch' a few out before word gets about. I did say in my OP that we had only become aware of the new 'Dart Charge' system whilst listening to a radio advert but I don't know whether this message has been confined to radio station/s local to London. Certainly, I've not seen anything on TV or our local radio stations in the Midlands. You would have thought there would have been some advisory message on the website when you go to book your channel tunnel crossing but once again, nothing. Again, there could be something to let you know when you stop at the check-in's for the tunnel but, again, nooooo. (I on;y mention the tunnel (but, the same applies to all methods of crossing the channel) simply because I guess a significant number of people who use the Dart crossing are holiday makers. If these people don't know about this system, what chance do they have to 'phone in and register there use' so they will just return home to a 'Dear John, had a nice holiday? Good, now send us seventy quid'.....

Rocar 512E · 14 Aug 2015 14:59

The same is at cernavoda, bu the drivers are informed, and you can pay before.

MistahDave · 14 Aug 2015 15:41

ScuL wrote:In the 6 years I've lived in the UK I've been lucky enough never to cross it
I wonder whether they'll update the Severn crossing to this new system.

Hopefully they reduce the cost of the Severn Bridge. Per km I it's one of the most expensive roads in Europe. It costs £6.70 for a car, and about £18 for a hgv. The Severn Bridge tolls is hurting the economy of Wales. Haulauge firms in Wales have huge costs, and even for commuters. You have to factor in the cost of the bridge!

citromvili · 14 Aug 2015 16:38

Hi,
Why don't you sign up with dart charge.
https://www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge
You have to put £10 on your account to start with, when you use the bridge or the tunnel they automaticly deduct the fee. When your account gets low on money they send you a reminder to top it up. Hassle free

DART CHARGE : Don't get caught out!

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