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Can we fix the Dartford Charge system?

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ol1v33r
ol1v33r Posts: 38 Forumite
in Parking tickets, fines & parking
So the Dartford Crossing charge is a disgrace firstly because when the bridge was proposed we were told that after the bridge was paid for the toll would be stopped and secondly for the ineffective and onerous way in which it is implemented detrimentally affecting innocent people.

What can we do to get the toll stopped? Will our MPs listen?

What can we do to get the system improved so it's less unfair towards innocent people?

Is it too much to ask that people get a reminder email or letter before being forced to pay a ridiculously huge fine?

What about extending the payment window to more than the next day?

I'm sick of being targeted by the government and companies as an easy way for them to make money for doing nothing, I'm pretty sure you are too I just hope you are not too apathetic at the moment to do anything about it now.

Let's start this discussion and see how far we can take this.

Comments

  • beamerguy
    beamerguy Posts: 17,587 Forumite
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    ol1v33r wrote: »
    So the Dartford Crossing charge is a disgrace firstly because when the bridge was proposed we were told that after the bridge was paid for the toll would be stopped and secondly for the ineffective and onerous way in which it is implemented detrimentally affecting innocent people.

    What can we do to get the toll stopped? Will our MPs listen?

    What can we do to get the system improved so it's less unfair towards innocent people?

    Is it too much to ask that people get a reminder email or letter before being forced to pay a ridiculously huge fine?

    What about extending the payment window to more than the next day?

    I'm sick of being targeted by the government and companies as an easy way for them to make money for doing nothing, I'm pretty sure you are too I just hope you are not too apathetic at the moment to do anything about it now.

    Let's start this discussion and see how far we can take this.

    You will not stop it, it is yet another government approved scam.
    You know our government, they simply adore scams
  • The_Deep
    The_Deep Posts: 16,830 Forumite
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    Was not income tax a temporary measure when first introduced?
    You never know how far you can go until you go too far.
  • System
    System Posts: 178,094 Community Admin
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    You will not stop it, it is yet another government approved scam.

    Get someone on the other end. Lift it. Take it to Scotland where there are no toll fees.
  • Johno100
    Johno100 Posts: 5,259 Forumite
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    beamerguy wrote: »
    You will not stop it, it is yet another government approved scam.
    You know our government, they simply adore scams

    Well they are seemingly going to abolish tolls on the Severn Bridge next year, so it can be done.
  • esmerobbo
    esmerobbo Posts: 4,979 Forumite
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    The first Mersey tunnel was opened in 1934 with the promise it would be free once paid for. We still pay and once the new gateway bridge is open we will not have a toll free way of crossing the river. As the old bridge will be tolled.
    Unfortunately it is simply too good a way of indirect taxation. The penalties are even better!
  • fisherjim
    fisherjim Posts: 6,033 Forumite
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    The charges raise £161M so the government will be reluctant to give that revenue stream up, but the private company that operates it (Emovis) creams off £57M.

    But flaws with their systems have actually lost the government £33.6M

    Emovis is part of Albertis which in France (where its headquarters are) is known as Sanef they operate 1760KM of toll roads.

    http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/news/88-million-lost-in-unpaid-123168/
    https://www.abertis.com/en/the-group/toll-roads/uk
  • peter_the_piper
    peter_the_piper Posts: 30,268 Forumite
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    Toll will help to pay for new crossing, so no problem there.
    What is unfair to "innocent people", who are the innocent people?
    Can't see a problem with extending the payment window to 48 hours.
    no problem if you pay in advance like most people do.
    Suggest this post is better on the DT thread.
    I'd rather be an Optimist and be proved wrong than a Pessimist and be proved right.
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