Can you dispute the Dart Charge?

Nikiya

Some days ago, relatives who live abroad (in Europe) went to a wedding and used the Dartford Thurrock Crossing without realising they had to pay. Now they are being served with a 70 pound fine (35 if paid within a certain period) AND a GBP 40 handling fee from the rental car company (Europcar).
They were traveling with friends from South London who were equally unaware of the charge. Can they dispute either?
It seems rediculous to run a GBP 75 penalty for a 2.50 charge which is obviously not clearly stated.
Thanks

scd3scd4

Unfortunately being ignorant is no excuse.

What would you have liked them to have done?

Are you saying you did not see the large signs?

Nikiya

I was not in the car, as explained. None of the five occupants saw the signs and there is plenty of evidence in the web that this is happening to a lot of people. I am asking for advice. You obviously have none, so spare me your patronizing.

Nikiya

This issue has been resolved, so I don't need any advice. Unfortunately I do not know how to remove the post. Thanks to those willing to help.

Robisere

There were FIFTY signs installed as long ago as 2014:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-signage-at-the-dartford-crossing-unveiled

I have driven through the Crossing from both directions 5times since and the signs were quite plain. I am in my 70's, wear spectacles, but can see them plainly. Better observation is needed.

They are quite large too:

Why accuse someone who is simply telling you the truth, of being patronising. (Not patronizing, that's the American spelling.) It does not matter if any passengers saw it, the driver certainly should have. I hope he/she spots other Highway signs,. otherwise I fear for their licence.

Coupon-mad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5699670

waamo wrote: »

If you contact them on Twitter (it only takes a moment to join) they will often drop the charge back to the original crossing fee.

Do as above, as suggested by waamo. It worked the other week.

iammumtoone

I think the payment is reasonable £35 when it should have been £2.50 is along the same lines as the fines from the council for non payment in a car park etc.

The unfortunate thing for your relatives is they have to also pay the car rental company charge which in total makes it a lot. But they are two separate charges so not sure what can be done, each would have to be disputed separately.

I had to read the sign a few times (and I am siting still at a computer not driving) I must say it is not that clear to someone who has never seen it before. The payment required part needs to be at the top, not hidden down the bottom using the words "pay by". there is no clear mention payment is even required. I suspect those whose first language is not English would really struggle.

Coupon-mad

I do agree that it should state some sums of money, and ''pay by'' may not be understood.

But the Twitter approach has worked before, got it reset to £2.50 as already advised.

scd3scd4

Nikiya wrote: »

I was not in the car, as explained. None of the five occupants saw the signs and there is plenty of evidence in the web that this is happening to a lot of people. I am asking for advice. You obviously have none, so spare me your patronizing.

You are welcome.


I work the other side of the river and use the bridge often. For 10 years plus.


There are plenty signs. We are not here to get people "off" of things............all the best.

KeithP

Nikiya wrote: »

This issue has been resolved, so I don't need any advice.

What was the resolution?