Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: zirk on 27 November 2014, 18:40:10

Title: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: zirk on 27 November 2014, 18:40:10
Just to remind anyone who has forgotten or is unaware, the Barriers disappear at the Dartford Crossing this Sunday (Bridge and Tunnel) in favor of a Congestion Charge Camera Number Plate scheme.

Charges are £2.50 per Car per crossing (a bit less if you set up an account) and must be paid by Midnight by CC Shop or Online.

Failure to pay within 24 hours, automatically gets a £70 Penalty Fine of £70, raising to £105 after 28 Days.

   
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: VXL V6 on 27 November 2014, 18:44:36
Funny really, they once said that they would stop charging once the funds covered the cost of building the bridge  ::) ;D
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: zirk on 27 November 2014, 18:50:38
Funny really, they once said that they would stop charging once the funds covered the cost of building the bridge  ::) ;D
Correct, after they built the Tunnel, then the second excuse was, we'll building a bridge, when that was paid for it was. I know, lets change it to a London Congestion Charge.

I wonder if there would have been a Congestion though, if there were no Barriers. ::)
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Keith ABS on 27 November 2014, 18:51:38
  Its owned by the Fench now so what do they care?
Keith B
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: 05omegav6 on 27 November 2014, 19:11:57
That should then help keep the M25 open, which has to be worth £70 of anyones £70 ;D
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Rog on 28 November 2014, 10:34:56
It always seemed silly to me that something (IE: The bridge & tunnels) that was meant to be convenient and speed things up caused so much delay.

I wonder how foreign vehicles will manage ? They won't know and/or won't be able.  ???
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Lagondanet on 28 November 2014, 10:56:33

I wonder how foreign vehicles will manage ? They won't know and/or won't be able.  ???

They just won't pay & won't be chased for payment?
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: 05omegav6 on 28 November 2014, 11:05:03

I wonder how foreign vehicles will manage ? They won't know and/or won't be able.  ???

They just won't pay & won't be chased for payment?
Do they not now get charged a road user fee at point of entry :-\

Personally, I wouldn't object to paying another £5 per year to make all the tolls free. Unfortunately that would only work if they were all state owned/managed...
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: zirk on 28 November 2014, 11:18:15
It always seemed silly to me that something (IE: The bridge & tunnels) that was meant to be convenient and speed things up caused so much delay.

I wonder how foreign vehicles will manage ? They won't know and/or won't be able.  ???
How long have we been in the EU?, 14 years+, I dont know the exaxt percentage of EU Lorries at the Crossing but its high.

Not exactly made it easy for them have we, they have to stop the Trunk, Hand Brake on, Seat Belt off, then clamber over the seats to the other side of the window to pay, then do the reverse before setting off, hoe long does that take (what Congestion  ;D). simple answer would have been to fit Double Sided paying window Booths, or a couple of dedicated Booths for non UK Drivers, all of which could have been done before we joined the EU.

So simple, common sense surely.  ::)
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 28 November 2014, 11:39:53

How long have we been in the EU?, 14 years+,

Er 41 years since 1973.  ::)
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Kevin Wood on 28 November 2014, 11:51:13
So, we get charged a "congestion charge" for using the orbital motorway, thereby avoiding congesting E. London? :-\
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: zirk on 28 November 2014, 11:55:54

How long have we been in the EU?, 14 years+,

Er 41 years since 1973.  ::)
yep, 41, typo says 14,  ::)  :y
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Nick W on 28 November 2014, 12:51:45
Funny really, they once said that they would stop charging once the funds covered the cost of building the bridge  ::) ;D

Considering the thousands of vehicles paying every hour, that was never going to happen.
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: The Sheriff on 28 November 2014, 13:05:33
Same story with the old mersey tunnel. We were supposed to stop paying when the government loan had been repaid. It was built in 1934  ::)
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Gaffers on 28 November 2014, 13:37:21
must be paid by Midnight by CC Shop or Online.

What happens if you drive through at 23:59?

Ah yes, pay on your mobile phone at 70mph ::)
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 28 November 2014, 18:17:52
Personally, as someone who has wasted hours in the queues there I believe the removal of the barriers is great news, and the continuation of toll charges is fine, especially if they build the next crossing.

We all must accept that new transport links cost money, and like in the USA where tolls are a regular feature, that is a sensible way of raising the funds required at the sites of major infrastructure.  I would always argue though that the road fund licence must be scrapped, and funds raised as and when you drive the miles. Like on the trains and buses, use it and pay for it and don't rely on other taxpayers paying for the total cost.

The Department of Transport are apparently relying on 7% of motorists who use the bridge and tunnel not paying the toll as required and ending up being fined; work out the amount that represents!  They are also apparently working with the authorities abroad to ensure fines incurred by foreign drivers will be "robustly chased"

Sorry, but if any uk motorist is fined for not paying the toll online or on the phone then that is their problem as they shouldn't be so ignorant as a driver of a licenced vehicle; like all those still happily going around with tax discs in their screens due to them not getting the message about it's abolition!

Everyone complains about the "nanny state", so let all of us take full responsibility for our actions and live by what we wish for!

 :D :D :y
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: MV6Matt on 29 November 2014, 07:22:42
Funny really, they once said that they would stop charging once the funds covered the cost of building the bridge  ::) ;D

Oh, the story I heard was that the money was being syphoned off by the original owners, so they made the payments permanent... :-\
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Bigron on 29 November 2014, 08:55:47
Will it still be free between 10 PM and 6 AM?

Ron.
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: BazaJT on 29 November 2014, 17:48:59
Don't think it'll affect me much barriers/no barriers,toll/no toll as it's a good many years since I last used the crossing and I've no immediate plans to use it again.As for tax disc in window then ignorant or not mine is still there.It was causing no harm when it was a legal requirement and it's causing no harm now!!
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Toledodude1973 on 29 November 2014, 21:29:02
Totally agree with tax disc still showing, not exactly a big deal ::)
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 29 November 2014, 22:03:18
Don't think it'll affect me much barriers/no barriers,toll/no toll as it's a good many years since I last used the crossing and I've no immediate plans to use it again.As for tax disc in window then ignorant or not mine is still there.It was causing no harm when it was a legal requirement and it's causing no harm now!!

Apart from the fact that it is an unnecessary obstruction to a drivers field of vision, like smelly things hung in the front window ::)

It also makes me fascinated in human nature. The authorities stop a useless function on a vehicle and many want to do the opposite.  ;D. How stubborn is man. No wonder we still have wars! ::) ;D ;)
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: BazaJT on 30 November 2014, 08:52:20
Never really classed it as an obstruction to my field of vision.No Lizzie not stubborn just basically too damn idle to take it out!Must say I agree totally with regard to doing away with rfl altogether and putting it on fuel or such so that those who use roads most pay most for their upkeep.
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: ronnyd on 30 November 2014, 16:24:57
I,m keeping my tax disc in for sentimental reasons cause i,m old. :D
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Toledodude1973 on 30 November 2014, 16:28:02
I'm keeping mine until the screen breaks .....just to be stubborn :D
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Nick W on 30 November 2014, 16:45:44
Personally, as someone who has wasted hours in the queues there I believe the removal of the barriers is great news, and the continuation of toll charges is fine, especially if they build the next crossing.

We all must accept that new transport links cost money, and like in the USA where tolls are a regular feature, that is a sensible way of raising the funds required at the sites of major infrastructure.  I would always argue though that the road fund licence must be scrapped, and funds raised as and when you drive the miles. Like on the trains and buses, use it and pay for it and don't rely on other taxpayers paying for the total cost.


I too spend large amounts of time queuing for the crossing(probably 3  hours last week!), and would argue that anything that eases the congestion should be considered. I don't see that another crossing further downriver is viable, as it wouldn't connect anywhere useful on either side.

As for the tolls, I'm used to driving in France, where they have the opposite approach: long stretches of motorway are charged for, but where they go closely around towns are free to discourage through traffic. The Peripherique is toll-free for instance, as are the autoroutes around Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseilles etc, or smaller towns like Tours or Poitiers.
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Magwheels on 30 November 2014, 17:28:35
must be paid by Midnight by CC Shop or Online.

What happens if you drive through at 23:59?

Ah yes, pay on your mobile phone at 70mph ::)

23.59 the next day, you get 24hrs before being collared.

(http://[quote author=Bigron link=topic=127501.msg1629120#msg1629120 date=1417251347]
Will it still be free between 10 PM and 6 AM?

Ron.
[/quote])

Yep and free for motorcycles....at all times. :y

I personally think its a great Idea (apart from the poor sods that lost their jobs) as it was the biggest pain in the A### ever trying to get across up North should I ever want too! The traffic should flow much more freely now, except for Thurrock and Blue water exit junctions that is, so still expect delays.

And yes it makes me very proud to know that I pay £240 odd a year RFL plus a few extra tolls to have roads that are frankly an embarrassment compared to the rest of the world....except maybe India! >:(

Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Rog on 30 November 2014, 17:59:57

And yes it makes me very proud to know that I pay £240 odd a year RFL plus a few extra tolls to have roads that are frankly an embarrassment compared to the rest of the world....except maybe India! >:(


 ;D    ;D    ;D    ;D

Damn right. Drove in France earlier this month, yes had to pay on the Peage BUT no delays, no roadworks, no closures, nothing except a nice quick easy drive  :y

Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Nick W on 30 November 2014, 18:11:49




Damn right. Drove in France earlier this month, yes had to pay on the Peage BUT no delays, no roadworks, no closures, nothing except a nice quick easy drive  :y


Wait until the workers go on strike and close the toll booths! We were waiting for 6 hours, although it turned into an impromptu picnic/party so wasn't all bad.
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: omega squared on 05 December 2014, 17:12:03
this is ridiculous there should be the option to pay at a tollbooth in some lanes at least
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: chrisgixer on 05 December 2014, 17:16:26
Yep, they're giving people every oppertunity to cop a fine.
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Terbs on 06 December 2014, 10:39:42
this is ridiculous there should be the option to pay at a tollbooth in some lanes at least

I totally agree......and I bet they would get hell of a lot of use !!!! :y

Mind you, it does not affect me where I live, as I am about equi-distance from the crossings, so I can go round the M25 either way :y
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: RobG on 07 December 2014, 15:15:19
Quote
and like in the USA where tolls are a regular feature, that is a sensible way of raising the funds
Difference in the States is that car drivers are not seen as "cash cows"
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 07 December 2014, 16:45:51
Quote
and like in the USA where tolls are a regular feature, that is a sensible way of raising the funds
Difference in the States is that car drivers are not seen as "cash cows"

That is because it is a different culture, one where the average American sees it as his/her absolute right to own and drive an automobile, as much as many regard carrying a gun. That is just one reason why motoring is relatively cheap there, although the gas price rises over the last 20 years have made them cry (now at an average of $2.80 per GALLON!!)!  But the American government will never dare raise taxes on fuel that could eat into their deficit as they know that would produce a politically catastrophic outcome!

When you understand the vast distances many Americans have to travel between cities you start to understand that culture! :D :D ;)

As for the tolls, when I was last there in 2010 they ranged from $1.75 to $2.00 for miles upon mile of excellent roads. I could accept that anyday if road tax disappeared! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: aaronjb on 07 December 2014, 19:45:16
Quote
and like in the USA where tolls are a regular feature, that is a sensible way of raising the funds
Difference in the States is that car drivers are not seen as "cash cows"

That is because it is a different culture, one where the average American sees it as his/her absolute right to own and drive an automobile, ..

Indeed it is ingrained in law in the US - the right to freedom of movement.. something that, after the widespread adoption of the motor car, meant that laws had to be drafted specifically to supersede that right so that they could mandate driving licenses!
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: Phil on 08 December 2014, 07:34:52
must be paid by Midnight by CC Shop or Online.

What happens if you drive through at 23:59?

Ah yes, pay on your mobile phone at 70mph ::)

23.59 the next day, you get 24hrs before being collared.

Will it still be free between 10 PM and 6 AM?

Ron.



Its free for ALL vehicles from 10pm to 6am, so if you go through at 23.59 there is no cost so no need to worry about how quick to pay.
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: omega squared on 09 December 2014, 11:02:24
these type of things are a right pain for me as I am always in a different car, I don't think I've ever been over the Bridge in the same car twice.
Title: Re: Dartford Crossing reminder this weekend - or get a £70 - £105 FINE
Post by: zirk on 09 December 2014, 12:36:45
these type of things are a right pain for me as I am always in a different car, I don't think I've ever been over the Bridge in the same car twice.
Park up the car, walk across the Bridge, then jump in the other car, drive off, job done.