kentonline.co.uk/dartford/ne … nge-26502/
It’s the end of an era for Kent drivers - as the toll booths are set to be removed at the Dartford Crossing at the end of this month.
The Highways Agency today confirmed the date that Dart Charge is to be introduced: Sunday, November 30.
It’s when new payment arrangements are brought in that would do away with the barriers.
Will it help making it flow any better?
A hefty increase in the toll - if you don’t set up a dart tag account.
This crossing was paid for long ago. Congestion Easting would have been even better served if they’d just removed the tolls and walked away. 
A hefty increase in the toll - if you don’t set up a dart tag account
Unless you are travelling from overseas bring freedom of movement to a new level
mastesallan:
Unless you are travelling from overseas bring freedom of movement to a new level
Whilst blocking up all the spaces on the truck bays at services for weeks on end… places have turned into ghettos with the same freeloaders taking all and paying nothing. Yet another problem that can be resolved by UKIP.
Winseer:
A hefty increase in the toll - if you don’t set up a dart tag account.This crossing was paid for long ago. Congestion Easting would have been even better served if they’d just removed the tolls and walked away.
Not quite correct Winseer, we no longer pay a toll. We now pay a charge, and in law this is a completely different thing.
This is a very clever rouse by the British government who own the crossing. It was written into the legislation when the crossing was built under a pfi agreement that a toll could only be charged until the crossing was paid for.
This happened and the crossing was managed on behalf of government by a French company.
The crossing was taken back into full control when the highways agency took it back over, this is when the toll was changed to a charge. So now we have a charge this can continue from now to whenever…
wildfire:
Winseer:
A hefty increase in the toll - if you don’t set up a dart tag account.This crossing was paid for long ago. Congestion Easting would have been even better served if they’d just removed the tolls and walked away.
Not quite correct Winseer, we no longer pay a toll. We now pay a charge, and in law this is a completely different thing.
This is a very clever rouse by the British government who own the crossing. It was written into the legislation when the crossing was built under a pfi agreement that a toll could only be charged until the crossing was paid for.
This happened and the crossing was managed on behalf of government by a French company.
The crossing was taken back into full control when the highways agency took it back over, this is when the toll was changed to a charge. So now we have a charge this can continue from now to whenever…
in laymans terms another road tax rip off
You get congestion going into the tunnel nearly every damned night nowdays.
It’s got quite bad over the last 4 months in particular I’d say.
Now we’re getting a 25% increase in the rate for cars that don’t use it regular enough to warrent an account. 
I assume they’ll leave one single lane open with a “manual pay” option. A manned or womaned booth where you can still pay cash.
With existing dart tags - are they going to become unusable on 30th btw? Or does the “old account” automatically get converted into the “new account” required for “dart cough” or whatever they’re nicknaming it. 
Winseer:
You get congestion going into the tunnel nearly every damned night nowdays.
It’s got quite bad over the last 4 months in particular I’d say.Now we’re getting a 25% increase in the rate for cars that don’t use it regular enough to warrent an account.
I assume they’ll leave one single lane open with a “manual pay” option. A manned or womaned booth where you can still pay cash.With existing dart tags - are they going to become unusable on 30th btw? Or does the “old account” automatically get converted into the “new account” required for “dart cough” or whatever they’re nicknaming it.
There wont be any facility to pay anymore.
all existing dart tag holders should have been written to explaining how to change their account for the dart charge version.
m1cks:
Winseer:
You get congestion going into the tunnel nearly every damned night nowdays.
It’s got quite bad over the last 4 months in particular I’d say.Now we’re getting a 25% increase in the rate for cars that don’t use it regular enough to warrent an account.
I assume they’ll leave one single lane open with a “manual pay” option. A manned or womaned booth where you can still pay cash.With existing dart tags - are they going to become unusable on 30th btw? Or does the “old account” automatically get converted into the “new account” required for “dart cough” or whatever they’re nicknaming it.
There wont be any facility to pay anymore.
all existing dart tag holders should have been written to explaining how to change their account for the dart charge version.
So - Everyone is FORCED to have an account, even if they only make one trip a year through the tubes?
I can’t believe they’re going to be that daft about it… Every out-of-county driver, every foreigner, every driving test newbie… Where’s the idiot-proofing failsafe?
Winseer:
m1cks:
Winseer:
You get congestion going into the tunnel nearly every damned night nowdays.
It’s got quite bad over the last 4 months in particular I’d say.Now we’re getting a 25% increase in the rate for cars that don’t use it regular enough to warrent an account.
I assume they’ll leave one single lane open with a “manual pay” option. A manned or womaned booth where you can still pay cash.With existing dart tags - are they going to become unusable on 30th btw? Or does the “old account” automatically get converted into the “new account” required for “dart cough” or whatever they’re nicknaming it.
There wont be any facility to pay anymore.
all existing dart tag holders should have been written to explaining how to change their account for the dart charge version.So - Everyone is FORCED to have an account, even if they only make one trip a year through the tubes?
I can’t believe they’re going to be that daft about it… Every out-of-county driver, every foreigner, every driving test newbie… Where’s the idiot-proofing failsafe?
No account needed. You can pay it online or in shops just the same way you can pay the congestion charge. All it means is you’re not eligable for the reduced rate.
Anyone already with a dart tag has an account so it’s not like you’re being forced to give up your worldly secrets to them.
I live up north and go across in my car once a year at easter how will I pay if no tolls
mac12:
I live up north and go across in my car once a year at easter how will I pay if no tolls
As stated above, online or in some shops like the congestion charge.
ok just read about the changes there will be lane controls on the approach before junction 1a you need to be in the correct lane. lane .1 and 2 15 . 9 lane 3 and 4 16. 6 also you will have no access to the tunnel from junction 1a if your above 15.9 there are arrangements to pay by phone before or by midnight the following day after using it or you can set up a fleet account
I’ll use the blackwall tunnel instead then. I’m not going through the trouble of opening an account, & leaving cash on it at all times.
If I can’t pay “on the door” - I don’t go that way anymore - simples.
Winseer:
I’ll use the blackwall tunnel instead then. I’m not going through the trouble of opening an account, & leaving cash on it at all times.
If I can’t pay “on the door” - I don’t go that way anymore - simples.
How hard is it to make a call to pay or pay on-line its no different to paying the congestion charge at least it does away with getting to the tunnel and finding your tag don’t work or has no money on it
I noticed on my travels last evening that the matrix boards on the M25 were showing that the tunnels will be closed on 29th November and the bridge closed on the 30th November.
No doubt the boards will be showing this info all week, but just in case, check out your route before you go on Saturday/Sunday as I am unsure if they are just closed overnight, or all day/night.
I can almost guarantee I will be getting a run to Kent on my Sunday shift next week 
(the law of the sod proclaims this is so!)
Winseer:
With existing dart tags - are they going to become unusable on 30th btw? Or does the “old account” automatically get converted into the “new account” required for “dart cough” or whatever they’re nicknaming it.
Your old Dart tag account doesn’t get automatically changed, but it only take a few minutes. I’ve done both my personal account and the companies account. The difference is you now have to put registrations in, but that’s going to be easier to put extra, or temporary vehicles on our company account as it’s a couple of minutes on internet instead of waiting for a Dart Tag to arrive.
As said it’s not different than paying for congestion charge and it’s no worse than having to get a Vignette for Benelux. And hopefully it will be far better than having 8 lanes of motorway coming to a halt to pay.
This the email that I received from DRC
Asking me to re-register my account
IMPORTANT — ACTION REQUIRED PLEASE
Transferring your DART-Tag account to Dart Charge
Dear Peirre,
To ensure you’re ready for Dart Charge - the new payment arrangements being introduced at the Dartford Crossing on 30th November 2014 - please take the time to read and act on this email.
What you need to do:
Continue to use your DART-Tag account as usual until the Dart Charge service commences on 30th November 2014.
Provide us with your vehicle registration(s), payment details and account preferences by 30th November 2014 to ensure your account will work under the new payment arrangements. Do this online at Pay the Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge): Paying the charge - GOV.UK or call us on 0300 300 0120 (+44 300 300 0120 from abroad).
Further information about the changes and the actions you need to take are outlined in this email. Please do not contact the DART-Tag Customer Centre about these changes.How do you transfer to Dart Charge?
The transition to Dart Charge will be straightforward. Your DART-Tag account balance will automatically transfer on 30th November 2014 when Dart Charge commences. To ensure your account will work under the new payment arrangements, you now need to:
Provide us with your vehicle registration(s) so we can identify your vehicle(s).
Confirm your method of payment, contact details and preferences.
You can provide this at Pay the Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge): Paying the charge - GOV.UK by entering the following information:DART-Tag account number: xxxxxxx
Personal verification code: xxxxxxxYou must provide this information by 30th November 2014 to ensure your account will work under the new payment arrangements.
If you can’t access this online you can also call us on 0300 300 0120 or from abroad +44 300 300 0120. For accounts with more than 5 vehicles, please also call the same number.
What happens if you don’t do this?
If you do not provide the information outlined above by 30th November 2014 your account will not work when the new payment arrangements are introduced. Therefore, if you make a crossing on or after 30th November 2014 you will need to pay the road user charge in full (and without a discount) each time you use the Crossing. Payments will then need to be made in advance or by midnight the day after you use the Crossing and can be made online, by phone, at a Payzone retail outlet or by post.
What else do you need to do before Dart Charge is introduced?
Read the new terms and conditions (available at gov.uk/dart-charge. A summary of the key changes is set out in this email and a full set will be sent to you when the account is open.
Contact the DART-Tag Customer Centre if you move house, change your vehicle or change your contact details before 26th November 2014.
Further detail
Further information about Dart Charge can be found at gov.uk/highways/dartford
Thank you in advance for taking action on this email, which will ensure you can continue to use your account and receive a discount under the new payment arrangements.
If you have any queries, please contact us.
Yours faithfully,
Christian Copin
Dart Charge Customer Service
For and on behalf of The Secretary of State for TransportKey changes to your terms and conditions
You currently have an account called DART-Tag, but from 30th November 2014 this will be changed to Dart Charge. Your contract will continue to be with the Secretary of State for Transport but the Dart Charge scheme and your account will be operated and managed by Sanef Operations Limited. The terms and conditions of your account will change with effect from 30th November 2014.
Currently you may share a tag between vehicles. We will continue to use tags to identify vehicles but once Dart Charge commences, your tag must be fitted in only one vehicle and must not be moved between vehicles. We will always read your vehicle registration, whether you have a tag fitted or not. We can supply extra tags if you make more than ten crossings a month.
By continuing to use your account, tag (if applicable), the crossing (in a vehicle registered to the account) or providing the requested details to us you are deemed to have accepted these revised terms. If you are not happy with any changes to the terms, you can cancel your account by phone on 0300 300 0120 or from abroad +44 300 300 0120, online at gov.uk/dart-charge or by writing to PO Box 842, Leeds, LS1 9QF.
Other important changes are that:
The Dartford Crossing will become a remote charging system (rather than a barrier system) so instead of paying for your charge as you cross or showing your tag, we will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition and your tag (if you have one) to identify your vehicle and calculate the charges due from your account. It is therefore very important that you keep your account in credit.
If you do not have enough money in your Dart Charge account to cover any charges or do not pay the charges by another method you may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £70. Continued non-payment could result in a Penalty Charge of up to £105 and the charge being registered as a debt against your name in the County Court. Having a Dart Charge account may not prevent a Penalty Charge Notice being issued if your Dart Charge account balance is insufficient to cover the Crossing charges, so please monitor your Dart Charge account and ensure you have sufficient credit at all times.
You can now also benefit from a new Auto-Top-Up facility. When your account balance falls below your chosen level (subject to a minimum of £10) we automatically top it up by direct debit or from your credit/debit card, so you don’t need to remember to pay. You can still top up your account manually over the phone, online or in a Payzone retail outlet.
The charges are being increased from 30th November 2014 but discounts will still apply.
A full copy of the terms and conditions are available at: gov.uk/dart-chargeYou can also request a copy by phone on 0300 300 0120 or +44 300 300 0120 from abroad
or by writing to: Dart Charge PO Box 842, Leeds, LS1 9QF.
The biggest issue for me is that my TAG isn’t registered to any specific truck, which is ideal for me as a cab hopping agy driver. But with DRC insisting the tag is vehicle specific its no use to me. But to maintain the account I’ve decided to register the tag to my car.
bjd:
Winseer:
I’ll use the blackwall tunnel instead then. I’m not going through the trouble of opening an account, & leaving cash on it at all times.
If I can’t pay “on the door” - I don’t go that way anymore - simples.How hard is it to make a call to pay or pay on-line its no different to paying the congestion charge at least it does away with getting to the tunnel and finding your tag don’t work or has no money on it
I don’t actually use the dartford crossing in my car that often. When I do, it’s usually on the spur of the moment - ie I’ve made the decision to “go that way” whilst already in transit.
How, then - am I supposed to “Pay online” whilst driving?
I’m not intending to pull into a costa coffee to get a damned internet connection, even assuming I’d bother to carry a laptop around with me everywhere.
Ditto for a phone I don’t use.
The concept of “booking a crossing in advance” is absurd. I don’t file “drive plans” like pilots file “flight plans”. It’s a tunnel/bridge FFS - not a bloody cross channel ferry!
Saturday/Sunday Night this weekend is going to be a barrel of laughs by the looks of it as well… The whole tunnel is shut so they can presumably wheel out the new gantry displays, etc.
I’m taking this weekend off before I get “computa sez nah” when trying to take my wagon through there with an non-updated dart tag, that way because of “office oversight”. 
Winseer:
bjd:
Winseer:
I’ll use the blackwall tunnel instead then. I’m not going through the trouble of opening an account, & leaving cash on it at all times.
If I can’t pay “on the door” - I don’t go that way anymore - simples.How hard is it to make a call to pay or pay on-line its no different to paying the congestion charge at least it does away with getting to the tunnel and finding your tag don’t work or has no money on it
I don’t actually use the dartford crossing in my car that often. When I do, it’s usually on the spur of the moment - ie I’ve made the decision to “go that way” whilst already in transit.
How, then - am I supposed to “Pay online” whilst driving?
I’m not intending to pull into a costa coffee to get a damned internet connection, even assuming I’d bother to carry a laptop around with me everywhere.
Ditto for a phone I don’t use.The concept of “booking a crossing in advance” is absurd. I don’t file “drive plans” like pilots file “flight plans”. It’s a tunnel/bridge FFS - not a bloody cross channel ferry!
Saturday/Sunday Night this weekend is going to be a barrel of laughs by the looks of it as well… The whole tunnel is shut so they can presumably wheel out the new gantry displays, etc.
I’m taking this weekend off before I get “computa sez nah” when trying to take my wagon through there with an non-updated dart tag, that way because of “office oversight”.
You don’t have to pay while you’re driving, you have a certain time to do it, online, with your mobile etc
Your moaning for the fun of moaning 