Dartford Crossing

[jourdain2]

I drive something which has 4 wheels and a steering-wheel - not a knowledgeable person and so am a stranger to this bit of answerbank. If this subject has been extensively covered before then I apologise in advance.

We live in France. We expect to move back to UK in early Feb. (2 cars and van).
Because we have animals we shall go on the Shuttle. We are aiming for Yorkshire.

A friend telephoned this evening and said that suddenly we can't pay at the barriers at Dartford and that we have to have a contract. We've checked this out and it seems to be true. We are only going to use the crossing once. Does anyone know if there is still going to be one booth where we can chuck some money in and pass? It will be a long, long drive for a dog with crossed legs to go all the other way around.

I think I'm asking --- are they barmy?

[237SJ]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dart-charge-dartford-crossing-remote-payment I think they are removing all of the toll booths. And yes, they are barmy.

[Baldric]

First paragraph gives you a clue

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

[Baldric]

From my Link

But for those who do not want accounts these signs will act as a firm reminder to pay Dart Charge by midnight the day after crossing.”

[SlackAlice]

No paying at the barriers because the barriers are going. You can pre-pay at various places or by phone. The system is supposedly to be up and running on the 30th November 2014

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dart-charge-to-launch-on-30-november

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/cost-of-motoring/dartford-crossing-dart-charge.html

[EDDIE51]

I think the Dartford crossing is going to be like the London congestion charge, in that your number plate is read by a camera and a bill sent to the cars registered
keeper. But there is no record of foreign numbers so you get over free! I heard that the charge for us UK drivers is being increased to make up for the free overseas drivers.

[SlackAlice]

List of charges

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/370688/Dart_Charge_Table_v1_RGB.pdf

[jourdain2]

Thanks, but so far I can't see how we are supposed to pay these same-day charges, it doesn't say and I won't have internet access for at least a week. I'll have to do more research I suppose, but it is just one more added trial to an already stressful journey.

[jourdain2]

Thanks, SlackAlice.

[jourdain2]

EDDIE51 That's the best news I've had all evening! I thought they were already operational!

[EDDIE51]

There are many 'PayPoint' shops around the UK , most corner shops petrol stations and sub post offices have 'PayPoint 'you can pay at any 'PayPoint 'up to midnight the day after crossing or before you get to the crossing.

[jourdain2]

EDDIE51 addendum - We'll happily pay the fees if it is made easier for us - we'll even queue (grumbling quietly) at only one operational booth. Why should residents pay for visitors, after all? This really seems to be one of the most-ill-thought-out-schemes ever hatched.

[Baldric]

From my Link
///Charge will be introduced on 30 November. Drivers will no longer stop at a barrier to pay the Crossing charge. Instead, they will pay in advance OR by midnight the day after crossing. Payment can be made online, by phone or post or at one of thousands of retailers nationwide.///

[jourdain2]

Eddie - I've never heard heard of Paypoint, can now search it out, thanks, is it really that widespread? I assume you stick your card into a machine. Most foreign tourists won't have a clue.

[SlackAlice]

I had not realised the charge for a car had increased by 25%! That seems a bit extortionate.

I use a Dart Tag and had to transfer my account to the new system. The current fee of £1.33p will increase to £1.67p.

[EDDIE51]

Here is the PayPoint locator they are all over the place, 1,000s of them
http://www.paypoint.co.uk/paypointlocator

[SlackAlice]

I thought it was Payzone and not Paypoint?

http://www.payzone.co.uk/Store-Locator

[EDDIE51]

^^ Not sure about payzone, but there are 3 PayPoint shops near me and they all have a sign saying that you will be able to pay the new Dartford crossing fee there.
The official Dartford crossing web site says PayPoint can be used as well.

[SlackAlice]

Ah ok, missed that bit ☺☺☺

[jourdain2]

That's very nice of you Eddie - but where are you? We shan't be stopping until about Nottingham?

[jourdain2]

Stopped too soon-will go on to payppoint locator :)