Patridge bantam chicken poorly foot?

[Flo]

Has anybody else seen details about the toll increase for the Dartford Tunnel that comes into effect on 15th November?

 

I had read lots of news stories about it possibly going up, but it was only when I drove through on Sunday that I spotted a leaflet about it.

 

I hope they do some better publicity about it otherwise there will be huge queues whilst people look for the extra money!

[Omletina Kyckling]

I thought I read years ago that the Dartford Toll lot said that they would only charge a toll until the cost of building the bridge was paid for....this was paid off many years ago so I would have thought they would have at least frozen it?! I know they have subsequently been bought out by a French company but I'm amazed that they will increase it. Having a £1 coin to hand is so easy!

[Omletina Kyckling]

Lummy!! I just looked at the website and they are increasing it by 50% so instead of £1 it will be £1.50 for cars!! That is crazy....they say it's to beat congestion....just what route are they suggesting drivers use instead?!

[stoice]

I found this that shows the breakdown. Regular users can get the Dart tag that means the first 50 crossings are free then 20p thereafter (If I've read it right)

 

I can just see this getting VERY messy...

[stoice]

Oh. I HAVE read that wrong. there's a 20p discount after the first 50 free crossings for Residents living near the crossing only. Great

[Flo]

I think I read that if you get a Dart Tag (bit like an oyster card) you can still only pay £1. Not sure how easy it is to manage your credit and top it up but it would be worth it if you use it reguarly.

 

The whole argument about increasing the toll to beat congestion is ridiculous as you would have to drive massively out of your way to not use the bridge so the cost of the extra fuel would completly negate the saving of not using it!

[Guest]

I hadn't heard about this and I have a Dart Tag. It's very easy to top up though and it is cheaper. We got it when my husband was going that way at least weekly. Now we very rarely use it, but we still have it.

[Bassett]

A 50% increase will make me think twice about quick trips over to Lakeside. I will stick with Bluewater instead and save myself £3.00.

[Mutrix Farmers]

£1.50!!!!!!!!

 

They could have rebuyilt the bridge twice by now with all the revenue they've collected.

 

Talking of an alternative route, a friend and I were heading off to Hatfield from Kent when they roadworks had just started to create the new flyover, and we missed the junction. We ended up going via the Blackwall Tunnel and A11. Perhaps that's what they want us to do to avoid congestion on the crossing, transfer to an already congested alternative!!!!

[Seagazer]

I hadn't heard about this

 

My husband, if he was using the car, would go that way to work. That certainly bumps up the price. He goes to work via the Blackwall tunnel now by bike.

 

I probably only go to Lakeside about once or twice a year as Bluewater is so close, so really it won't bother me too much.

 

I thought they were only charging until it had paid for itself.

[Guest]

I can't believe the cost of going to Bluewater has just gone up!

 

I guess they want us "Essex" people to stick to Lakeside. Not a chance - too many kids I teach hang out there.

 

And the shops are not as good.

[quickcluck]

We had a letter from the Dart tag people about 8-10wks ago informing us of the increases.....looks like there's no way round it, unless you know someone that lives in the area and you can cadge their discount!

[Cate in NZ]

I used to live in Dartford, and a few days before we moved out of the area I got a letter saying that Dartford residents would get a massive discount on the crossings...can't quite remember the details, but something along the lines of paying £10 on the Dart tag scheme, and then having every crossing charged at 20p..deducted from the £10 on the tag. Unfortunately I didn't go for it, but knew that I wouldn't be staying in the area for long enough to get my money's worth.

They originally said that the charges were only until the bridge was paid for, but they reached that milestone about 3-4 years ago I think, then the charges were for "maintenance" . I agree about the congestion, the crossing can be incredibly busy with queues of tailbacks, sometimes reaching miles back on the M25, but there's no real alternative. THe next crossings are the Blackwall and Rotherhithe tunnels, both miles out of the way and smaller too.....they get just as congested

Dunno what the answer is, but I can't see upping the charges to £1.50 will ease the congestion much, maybe a few people will reconsider if they really need to make that journey, possibly a few will try to change the time that they travel, but anyone who uses the crossing regularly knows how busy it can be....the length of the queues was would be a greater deterrent to me than an extra 50p each way.

So the poor road user ends up worse off both ways...still queuing and paying more for the privilege . Why am I not surprised

[Olly]

I can't believe the cost of going to Bluewater has just gone up!

 

My feelings exactly, Pengy! Besides ... having a £1 coin in my purse is pretty much a certainty; having £1.50 isn't quite so easy. I won't be using the Automatic tolls so often!

[Redwing]

This reminds me of the time I used the crossing and asked for a receipt.....

 

The chap just stared at me and said 'its just a pand love'

 

I always reason that a 'pand' in my pocket is better than it being in my employers pocket!

 

Maybe the Dartford lads and lasses have more money than me!

[miffy]

I went to a wedding in Greys and we stayed in a hotel at Dartford Bridge last weekend. I have never driven anywhere more confusing. The number of traffic lights rounabouts and big roads we found rather frightening. But not as frightening as the speed of the traffic and the "I1ll drive in which lane I like" attitude. I think anyone who deals with it regularly deserves a medal.

[Seagazer]

I went to a wedding in Greys and we stayed in a hotel at Dartford Bridge last weekend. I have never driven anywhere more confusing. The number of traffic lights rounabouts and big roads we found rather frightening. But not as frightening as the speed of the traffic and the "I1ll drive in which lane I like" attitude. I think anyone who deals with it regularly deserves a medal.

 

The roundabouts and traffic lights there are very confusing!

 

I used to go to Bluewater that way if I had picked my mum up first instead of going down the A2. It is a nightmare and not very driver friendly. Even after doing it a lot of times I still need an extra set of eyes