This from the Highways Agency web site: "Drivers will be encouraged to pay the charge before they use the Crossing." (By 'phone, text, etc) So what happens when you then get caught in a jam and divert off to the Blackwall Tunnel? Will you be able to reclaim the unused toll, tax.
What they should do is give drivers the opportunity to set up an account, a la the Dart Tag, either to prepay or to automate monthly charges via direct debit. Why does my cynical side tell me they won't do that and grab the fines instead?
Which they will and Tag users have already been contacted about switching to the new system.
Some of you do half play the victim
I'm a tag user. I haven't been contacted. There is nothing about the new arrangements on the dart tag web site.
Interestingly, the articles, and the Highways Agency web site, while having information on fine tariffs don't have any information about the actual toll rates. Hands up who thinks they won't be going up (again)?
BTW, the French company that operates the toll system on the motorways in France has a UK office and will sell you a french tag. The FAQs section of their web site has this intriguing bit:
"Can I use the tag in the UK at Dartford/ M6 toll/ Severn Crossing?
Which they will and Tag users have already been contacted about switching to the new system.
Some of you do half play the victim
I'm a tag user. I haven't been contacted. There is nothing about the new arrangements on the dart tag web site.
Interestingly, the articles, and the Highways Agency web site, while having information on fine tariffs don't have any information about the actual toll rates. Hands up who thinks they won't be going up (again)?
I'm also a regular tag user (10 journeys per week) and have not been contacted. To be honest I think there will be an outcry if they don't at least implement an Autopay option like the Congestion charge - regular business and haulage users are not going to want the hassle of having to pay online every day.
I believe this story surfaced a few weeks back on the BBC. If my memory serves me correctly they are predicting that most foreign drivers won't be paying (about 10%), as you will be charged by number plate recognition, and there's no current jurisdiction to chase foreign defaulters. That was how I read it anyway.
It is a year away so no need to panic if you have not been contacted eh.
It's no panic. I don't expect to be contacted. I expect them to plough on with the same type of rip-off scheme as the congestion charge. Shouldn't even be bloody charging.
To be honest if they do put it up to £2.50 I think I will make fewer journeys to Essex. Having said that if they offer a significant discount for those that have the DartTag replacement it might not be all that bad.
To be fair Len we have been made many promises over the years (waiting lists for hospital appointments to come down, school class sizes of 20 or less, etc.) but unfortunately the country has run out of money.
I would love the crossing to be free, I would love lots of things like libraries and public swimming pools to be kept open, but sadly there is only so much money to go round and when it's gone someone has to pay.
of course it would be utterly perfect at the crossing without tolls, or booths. Toll booths don't stop people having accidents in the tunnels, or wind closing the bridge. But they'll never happen again once the booths go, it'll be the smoothest bit of tarmac in britain.
Comments
Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!
Shaft and shit on the decent working people of this godforsaken country even more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Drivers will be encouraged to pay the charge before they use the Crossing." (By 'phone, text, etc)
So what happens when you then get caught in a jam and divert off to the Blackwall Tunnel? Will you be able to reclaim the unused
toll, tax.Some of you do half play the victim
Interestingly, the articles, and the Highways Agency web site, while having information on fine tariffs don't have any information about the actual toll rates. Hands up who thinks they won't be going up (again)?
"Can I use the tag in the UK at Dartford/ M6 toll/ Severn Crossing?
Not yet! But watch this space...."
And it's common knowledge that the fee goes up to £2.50 next year or the year after. That was announced when they last put it up
But I stick with the victims line, so hard done by
I would love the crossing to be free, I would love lots of things like libraries and public swimming pools to be kept open, but sadly there is only so much money to go round and when it's gone someone has to pay.
if you want a constructive debate then do so if you want to try to be smart then find someone else to do it with