Dartford Crossing

GabbaGabbaHey

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

I registered all our household vehicles online and deposited a tenner in the Dart Charge account.

I did exactly the same thing, used it once and then got a snotty email saying that the balance in my account was below the acceptable level.

I only use the crossing about once a year, and they have £8.33 (£10 deposit minus £1.67 charge) of my money interest free, so I've no intention of topping up the account with any more money until I've used up what's in there.

Le_Kirk

I set up my account with a balance of £10.00 with an auto top-up when it fell below £10.00. It took me 3 months and several phone calls for them to sort out the fact that it would not auto top-up. Now working fine. You can elect to top up yourself or have auto top-up and IIRC you can set the balance yourself.

Cornucopia

I thought it was strange that they decided to use the London Congestion Charge "C" symbol for the Dartford Crossing, when I first saw it. For most people, that symbol doesn't mean anything, and it certainly doesn't suggest that you have to pay. A big "£" sign with a phone attached to it would have been a better choice.

I think they've messed-up here. I can see the idea of keeping the carriageway clear, but (a) that's not working, and there are still long tailbacks through the roadworks, (b) they must be missing out on money from foreign vehicles, and (c) many people resent the fact that the toll has been kept on well past the payback date.

I think they should put back some drive-through paypoints off the main carriageway.

The_Groat_Counter

Cornucopia wrote: »

I thought it was strange that they decided to use the London Congestion Charge "C" symbol for the Dartford Crossing, when I first saw it. For most people, that symbol doesn't mean anything, and it certainly doesn't suggest that you have to pay. A big "£" sign with a phone attached to it would have been a better choice.

The "C" symbol was never specific to the London Congestion Charge - it's a generic sign for road charging schemes.

See page 142 of the "Know Your Traffic Signs" book from the Department for Transport:
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/222621/dg_191955.pdf

Radshire

I was reminded the other day that I'd used the Dartford crossing. I had completely forgotten to pay. It was 10 days ago. I am not excempt and don't have a prepay account.

A quick google search suggests that customers can avoid the Penalty Claims Notice (PCN) if they have not offended before and if you make payment within 14 days.

I phoned customer services (CS) and explained that I had crossed twice and wanted to pay. They told me the outstanding balance was £75 for the registration number of my car. £5 for the crossings and 2x£35 for the charges.
Given that they could have made that up from the information I'd given them, I asked them to confirm my crossing dates and times....they could not because they couldn't give that information out over the phone.
They advised me to pay...I did not

I wrote to CS and asked them the questions...they advised that they could not confirm crossing dates or times "in accordance with the terms and conditions" but that I should pay the fine.

I tried to pay the PCN online....but you need a PCN number

Phoned CS and, stating my registration number, asked for the PCN Number knowing that they could not possibly give me this without confirming the date and time of my crossing. They asked me to hold the line because she could see that I had already enquired about the charges.

2 minutes later, having spoken to the "support desk" she told me that the system sometimes displays the wrong amount and that I only owed them £5.

What is crazy about this (and I'm still in argument over email with the CS representative about this) is that I was told that the PCN needed to be paid within 14 days of the original payment due time (the midnight of the day after my crossing) before the amount was increased. I asked what the process was for the issuance of the PCN and I've been told that they don't know or can't give out that information. I've challenged them that if they are allowed to put up charges for PCN payments which remain unpaid after a certain timeframe, they should ensure tha PCN's are sent out promptly and ensure they are received. No response as yet.

I'm posting my experience here because the first CS guy I spoke to was very pushy about taking payment. A lot of people I know would have paid there and then.
I appreciate that rules are rules, but in my opinion although signage is present it is not adequate. Furthermore, the CS guys don't know the processes - in fact no one does - so how can you trust you are paying the correct charge. I don't mind paying for the consequences of my mistakes as long as the rules are applied equally. In the case of the dart charge, they are not.

Will keep this updated if people are interested.
Thanks

Better_Days

I agree the signage isn't very clear.

We used the crossing last month on the way down to Kent and at the time I commented it is easy to miss them if you are not familiar with the area and know what to expect. I certainly think there should be more signs warning motorists of the charges.

jimjames

citykid5 wrote: »

If your cars taxed as disabled vehicle it's free I believe

It's also free after 10pm

MrChips

I used the crossing yesterday on the way back from Dover. It was on or around 10pm (the time when it becomes free to use). I've spent over 30 minutes on the website trying to find out if I owe them £2.50 but I'm none the wiser. I very rarely use the crossing so I don't want to pay £2.50 if I don't owe it, especially as I was using a borrowed car and so won't even benefit from establishing a credit.

Can anyone explain how to find out if I owe anything (preferably before midnight tonight!)?

Dclutterchique

Mr Chips, would using the following link be of any help to you by pressing the large green 'Start Now' button, then the 'Make a one off payment' option and following the instructions from there?


https://www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge


Apologies if you've already tried this and got no joy.

MrChips

Thanks - but I don't think that helps. I tried my own car reg which hasn't been anywhere near the crossing for over a year and it still lets you pay, and doesn't flag up that no money is owed. I guess this is because you can pay in advance of a crossing.