DartCharge - Making a Representation

ADaffodil184

Hi all!

On 14/12 I used the Dartford Crossing, I was heading down to Kent for a family emergency at 21:30 (not an excuse but relevant to my state of mind), and there had been an accident on the M26 so my satnav advised I take M25 N instead of S.

All fine, I knew there was a toll.

I arrived late, and went straight to hospital, where I spent most of that night and the following day. The charge completely slipped my mind until I bolted awake on 16/12. I paid the charge that morning (8 hours and 23 minutes late). I did not read as much as I should have nor any disclaimers, just went online and piad the £2.50, thought nothing else of it.

I have since received a PCN, with the warning letter as it's my first offence asking me to pay the £2.50. I called up, and was told the payment I had made on 16/12 had been made toward future trips. I explained the situation and they said nothing they could do, I'd need to pay again, and could ask for the additional £2.50 to be refunded at the end of the 12 months it will be held for.

I have made a Representation through the website asking for them to use the payment made as payment for the crossing, and explained my situation to them. It states I'll receive a response within 150 days. Should I make payment of the £2.50 anyway, to avoid the charge becoming a fine? Has anyone had any experience with getting them to convert a slightly late payment?

Thanks for any advice!

jimbo6977

I'd've just paid the extra £2.50.
Why get their backs up.
You seem to have more important things to worry about.

ADaffodil184

Hmm that's what I thought.. I guess it's just the lack of empathy that's wound me up, the call agent I spoke to was really unhelpful and it just got to me!

Guess I'll have to use the crossing again at some point to use my additional payment, seeing as it sounds almost impossible to get anything back from them!