Congestion Charge 24hr window - please help break this down for me!

AdrianC

brianposter wrote: »

So to sum up this thread; we have someone who is off to China on business, trys to pay the Dartford crossing charge but cannot because the website does not work, travels over the crossing to Gatwick, and fails to find an internet cafe within a few hours of arriving in China is charged 80 pounds simply because those who set up the website failed to program it properly.

Was there a good reason they didn't pre-pay for the crossing before travelling?


I know these business trips to China can come as a real surprise - you're just popping down to Tesco, and the next thing you know, you're being bundled onto a flight at Gatwick...

shaun_from_Africa

steedoc wrote: »

you're a bunch of keyboard warriors trying to defend the indefensible that's what you are

Which dictionary defines "keyboard warriors" as people who simply have a different opinion?


You missed a bit out on your opening post.

steedoc wrote: »

Appreciate your thoughts, provided that you all agree with me. If you have a difference of opinion then you must be a keyboard warrior or working for TFL and I don't want to hear from you.

Steve

Michelle.P

steedoc wrote: »

John G Jones, thanks for pointing out it is in fact 31 hours.

In my case I popped in 15 minutes before 6pm for a hospital appointment, and attempted to pay in good faith some 30 hours later and found I could not.

The actual infringement was at 5pm so you didn't enter the congestion charging zone "15 minutes before 6pm".

Aylesbury_Duck

steedoc wrote: »

Brilliant analysis Brian, how much clearer can it be for these people?

"Analysis" :rotfl:

It could be much clearer than a weird attempted analogy involving Gatwick, Dartford and China. You clearly use a different dictionary to most people if you think that's analysis and that you'd "appreciate" people's thoughts.

Back to the more serious matter of the penalty, it would make sense to borrow the money and pay promptly rather than see the penalty increase. The level of the penalty is less than an amount you'd have to find if you had a couple of tyres needing replacing, a coil spring go, an exhaust fall off, etc etc., any of which could happen at any time and for which you'd have to find the money if you wanted to stay on the road. You've got your MOT due at the start of April so there may be things need addressing there.

brianposter

AdrianC wrote: »

Was there a good reason they didn't pre-pay for the crossing before travelling?

Yes. Website did not work, as I found yesterday when I tried to use it.

Aylesbury_Duck

brianposter wrote: »

Yes. Website did not work, as I found yesterday when I tried to use it.

You've clearly found an internet cafe in China else you wouldn't be posting here, so surely you can pay it? You have until midnight U.K. time tonight to pay it.

brianposter

Aylesbury_Duck wrote: »

You've clearly found an internet cafe in China else you wouldn't be posting here, so surely you can pay it? You have until midnight U.K. time tonight to pay it.

Why would I pay when the problem is TfLs responsibility ?

AdrianC

brianposter wrote: »

Why would I pay when the problem is TfLs responsibility ?

Do let us know when you're planning to argue that one in court.

Aylesbury_Duck

brianposter wrote: »

Why would I pay when the problem is TfLs responsibility ?

Those so-and-so's are running the Dartford Crossing now as well, eh? Damn them.

AdrianC

Aylesbury_Duck wrote: »

Those so-and-so's are running the Dartford Crossing now as well, eh? Damn them.

Do you think he knows that the crossing isn't even in London?