I crossed the bridge on 10th August in rented car. www.paydartcharge.co.uk appears at the top of the Google search Appearing at the top of Google's search ranking means less online savvy Dartford Crossing users could be paying too much. I would try now and wait and see. this seems like a bit of a mess to me and probably why Humber Bridge are holding back on implementing their similar scheme with everything already in place, anyway looks like we crossed twice at easter on way to and from France unaware of the its introduction in Dartford seeing no signage or media warning of its introduction. Also, check the terms and conditions from the van hire company, the 30 charge seems excessive. I drove to work 5 times, that made 10 crossings. Not only will these sites leave you out of pocket for the toll, but theyll also leave you facing a fine of up to 105.00 for non-payment. Apart from that, I believe from these notes that there should be 14 day grace period to pay the original fee but therte is no mention of this option on either demand. I was thus unable to log in and determine whether you had taken payment for the crossing on 28 July. You should call and ask. , and email your request to info@highwaysengland.co.uk. If it's your first time then appeal and they will probably let you off the fines. , but my credit card has been debited. Failure to make payment within 14 days of service of the notice may result in the debt being registered at the Traffic Enforcement Centre. Iam from abroad. If you are one of the people who paid twice, contact Highways England to let them know. Not to mention, the traffic that still exists at the toll northbound, they make you wait and then they make you pay for it. https://www.gov.uk/make-a-freedom-of-information-request. I have not heard this policy is changing. The reason? That said, you can use the tunnel for free at night if you cross between 10pm and 6am every day of the week. I can only hope and pray. I am at my wits end Pls anyone within advice thanks Kellie. As a result, a Confirm Payment system is in place. The DART signs are NOT clear, why not put up simple signage explaining the toll is NOT free, and payment required. Feeling like hot potatoe here. They could access your bond from your birth certificate and collect on the funds therein, that have accumulated since your informants (parents) registered you when you were birthed onto the land as an asset for a lifetime of tax revenue. The purpose of the penalty scheme is to encourage compliance with the payment system. Also people should be able to pay by post after the crossing made. Saw the signs saying I needed to pay by midnight TONIGHT I went over at 5pm and I returned over the bridge at about 11pm so should be ok for my return journey, I think, as it was after 10pm? I have just received a late payment bill for 38.50 which it seems the hire company has paid from my credit card on my behalf. The long and short of this is, however, that the system signage is not fit for purpose. or at least set up a payment point at the eurotunnel and ferry stations. We the coin. I only knew about the payment of the crossing on the way back when I realised there were no toll booths and their were signs explaining I had to pay online before midnight. The 14-day grace period doesnt start until yo uget the PCN. Penalty for failing to do so is up to 1,000. I can understand the benefits of an account based system for regular users, but for occasional or first time users a toll booth would be for more practical, convenient and safe, as well as enabling your business to obtain the revenues it deserves. You will receive it in Word and PDF formats. I had by accident misspelled the vehicle registration number (just realized when looking at the details of the payment receipt) and got a penalty notice in the post. I have just returned from travelling in the UK in my car. Paid them 7.50 in total and asked for a receipt which they emailed. Hi, I forgot to pay the crossing charge on Sunday and paid this morning, Im worried about getting a letter through the post with a charge, do you think I will get away with it? Check your bank account when you think a payment has been taken twice when you used the Dart charge. Thank you for your thoughts. In my opinion, the system you have implemented is hopelessly flawed and unreasonable, as well as probably being unlawful. Then switch back to manual top-off and again fill out all my new creditcard data to deposit the money. Hi John did you ever get a PCN ? You should certainly have a chat with the hire firm and find out their policy. I was away 1/2 weeks ago, should I pay now or await the letter, saying car not found on system? Thanks. If you want online payments you should set up a system that works. We are running at optimum capacity. (6) where are the payzone retail outlets in my area. Hope that helps. The system is unreasonable to all motorists who does not have an account that automatically takes the money out of their account. How to dispute a fine from the Dartford Crossing - Highways Industry In the first month alone, potential fines amounted to 21 million. The email then disappeared from my inbox! Hope you enjoyed your time here. How should I proceed ? The 14-day rule should apply as long as it was the first time you havent paid in that actual car. After checking with the TfL website, entering QE II bridge, the name that is given for the crossing on Google maps, I could find no evidence for a charge. I used the crossing once, got a penalty notice, paid by computer, got a receipt. Two months later, they want 105 each way with a court demand with no warning (even though they still took the toll charge when I paid online), I am trying to fight it as I contested it but I feel helpless. Parking charges: how to challenge and beat unfair parking fines At least a week notice is a fair deal. We were not offered the 14 day grace period neither was any allowance made for the poor signage and her language difficulties. On the appeal page them start appeal link is very small and hidden at the bottom of the page hmm!https://www.aph.com/community/holidays/dartford-crossing-new-charging-system-explained/#appeal. Contacting support they explained to me to first select automatic payment and do a zero payment with my new creditcard data. Could it be that rather than just send the warning letter asking for 2.50 they also send the penalty notice hoping Ill pay the by mistake? MORE WORK as a result of Beaurocratic Bunkum!!!!!!! Pay now and it should stop the penalty being sent out. I have now made a payment of 5 do you think that I will get a penalty charge?. Read on to find out what you need to know about a Dart penalty charge notice and whether you could get out of paying it. All rights reserved. But somehow after months of no problems the auto top up has been deactivated and weve received the fine(s). You can find out more by contacting MoneyHelper. There doesnt seem to be any way of checking that the toll has been paid. Now I am back home, I have made the payment using my home internet access, but have missed the less than 48hrs deadline. First the Lendal Bridge in York, now the Dart crossing. As per their letter the fine is cancelled. What happens if the authority rejects my appeal? 4 months later (!!!) Had exactly the same problem phoned and was told it was not possible to pay after midnight on the day after the crossing. eradicate the charge completely as we have paid for it via taxes and crossings hundreds of time over. The cost of a van is 3.00, so the system should ask for the correct amount. All to no avail. It's normally 2.50 per crossing for cars and either 3 or 6 for vans, buses and goods vehicles, depending on the number of axles - with the discount this drops to 2 for cars and 2.63 or 5.19 for other vehicles. Were all being hit by rubbish signage. However, when I check online that the payment was credited to that crossing, it does not show the crossing I made and therefore shows I am in credit by 2.50! I also received their email payment confirm receipt for the Eur 3.61. I find it unbelievable that I have paid for the crossing on 28 July, in respect of which you are issuing a fine for non-payment, but you are holding that money in respect of a crossing I have not made and have no plans to make, and there is no means of getting that money returned to me. However, its not just the misreading of number plates that causes the problem. Im getting very annoyed as it is proving impossible to prepay for a crossing..Terry. I pointed out that there is no request for even the date of the crossing to be included when you pay and therefore it is possible to pay. Save - Print Your document is ready! Now I see how they make easy profit. This is a ridiculous situation where drivers should be able to attempt to pay but have it refused if not liable. This appears to be an unhelpful, punitive system not in the public interest, apparently designed to maximize cash generation rather than provide a public service. The phone number provided is out of service. Hi, I crossed the bridge at around 5pm on Monday 5th Oct. I am a British Citizen but resident now in Canada. If you believe you should not have been issued a penalty charge notice, you can challenge it by With my best wishes for always evading the Penalty Voodoo. I would like to pay today. We are sorry to hear about the disappointment of the operation not going ahead and hope you get good news soon. Its my first time. this is my first time to pay dart charge and I did not know have to pay both way and I did pay only one way not pay on return. MoneyNerd Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative ofSeopa Limited who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 313860) and is classed as an insurance broker. I checked where I was on that day & time : It was the Thames bridge at Dartford. By removing the direct pay isnt it a way of making more money by charging driver peneltey charges because they know people will forget specially if you are a visitor . 3) I have been abroad for the last 12 years and just returned to London I am sure the crossing was free on Sunday before, why has this changed ? I see the 2.50 still sat in the account after checking when I got another letter today demanding 105 + another 2.50.. WHY I ask. My advice? Just wait for the notice to arrive. I big bold letters the covering letter stated that as a first timer the penalty and all other penalty issued within the last 28 days would be cancelled if we paid for all crossings within the next couple of weeks (a specific date was given). Drivers can be fined up to 105 if they don't pay. 11. I didn't ignore the fine. Do I stand a chance in hell of succeeding if I appeal, or will they just say no and add another 35 onto the fine since it will take me over the two-week period when the fine is 35 instead of 70? Relieved to read your message! :( Thank you. Is this still in practise, Id happily pay the fee but not the fine as I tried to PST and couldnt get through. Yes the chances are you will be as long as it was the first time youve forgotten to pay while driving that particular vehicle. I received two PCNs for a journey (one going out and one coming back). Id already been sent a PCB when I forgot to pay the first or second time I went through over Christmas, and paid the 2.50 then, so as my second fine I assume Im going to be hit with a 35 fee on top of 2.50 charge. And yet they penalise us if we are unable to be on line. The penalty charge of 70 will increase by 50% to 105. Please take a few seconds to take this poll and tell us how youd improve the new charging system.. I am so angry at myself, I want to pay it online, but it will make no difference now. Penalty charge notice number This can be found on the first page of the penalty charge notice you received in the post, it starts with the letters 'IA', 'IB' or 'IK'. The company that runs the crossing are just a bunch of con-artists. In my case, my first stop after Dartford was at the Port of Dover, where I had no phone signal (on the Three Mobile network). Fair enough to expect Brits to pre-pay, but how is this to work for tourists????? Surprisingly..DC cannot make a change and neither the hire company.so I am really wondering whether the PCN gets to correct address. However he said, its tough, you have no choice but to go through the tunnel and back over the bridge to get home and you will be charged!. We had money in hand ready to pay at booth but saw no booths or barriers so assumed toll had been dropped. I believe its wisely to pay 20 per year for unlimited crossings, rather than spending gallons of fuel going some other routs. You should contact the hire firm and get the number plate. I have never had a speeding fine or parking ticket in my life but this is just ridiculous. hi! They calculate 5 days for delivery at the most ( receipt by the 10th, which is out of the question ), which made the reduced penalty payable by the 24th too late when I got back home on the 29th. Form 1000 dart Dart Flights Pentathlon 10 Ultra Thick 10 Micron Std Blue. At least I was allowed to just pay the 2.50 and avoid the fine, which I did right away. You must appeal to the adjudicator within 28 days of the Notice of Rejection is received. 2. Why they just wouldnt accept my attempt to pay a few days later is beyond me if they are willing to spend time and money asking for the same fee 5 months later. This is then used to pay for crossings, but occasional users will have dead money left in the account. I telephoned the Dartford Tunnel to be told I had not paid enough for a return journey and that I still had to pay for the return trip. Christmas night Ive crossed dartford and forgot to pay the charge. the crossing took just as long as before with the toll booths, You say that Get an extra 14 days to pay however, first-time offenders will be given a 14-day grace period when the charge notice is sent out. This is 16 months after I crossed the bridge. I made a crossing 2 days ago and only paid for one as when I called the automated answer lady said I only has one outstanding payment (silly me). Hi Paul Its a pretty common problem for anyone who doesnt use the Crossing on a regular basis and completely understandable. Also, does anyone know whether the first offence referred to includes both non-payment penalties of a return trip (taken during one single day) or whether it includes the very first crossing only? Julie Dart who was murderd by Michael Sams. Keep a copy of any payment advice you receive. where they asked me for a payment of the DART CHARGE Thanks for the message and were glad it helped. You should be given a 14-day reprieve on the first crossing at least. I am on holiday. We are pushing to get better signage on the motorway, too. as first timers on this route since it has all changed were able to pay 2 crossing charges now we are home. Ive realised today is 11 days since I forgotten to pay the crossing. Its a bit sneaky, but the last time I had a fine, I paid 5 for a trial of an online solicitor called JustAnswer. A BLUE badge .is NOT free. I dont hate much in life, but the Dartford toll system is something I really hate. Ease of travel should be a right. Couldnt they have left 1 booth open for all those drivers who dont waste half their life figuring out how to pay ridiculous toll charges in their chosen holiday destination? If they reject your protest then you can use the adjudicator, but not before going through this antiquated process. And will they accept we will not pay the penalty. ! and that having been used to pay as you go for years just using the tunnel a few times a year, remembering to pay after the event is something that is easy to forget. people who clearly forgot to pay) and those who dont. Will I win an appeal on such grounds. - Charge Certificate - increases the penalty by 50%. I look forward to your reply as soon as possible. Have France removed their toll booths. They told me that there was a fine for the first crossing, but that I could pay for the return (a week ago) without incurring a fine. I think this scheme needs a rethink. Hope it helps The result? Yes, you can. What is the problem with changing address?? In any case, notwithstanding the fact that the PCN has not been delivered, and the concerns I have about that, I am extremely unhappy that the situation has arisen at all. I have two pieces of paper are un envelope one with pcn dated 24/09/15 with charges but other explains pcn charges but says you can just pay 2.50 within 14days from issue date and all pcn charges will be cancelled. Enter postcode of the tunnel or your destination where you can pay. This is a return to the days of King John. Thanks. steve. Also please consider that the 14 day deadline for should commence on the date of the re-issue, if indeed it has already been issued. To be honest were just as in the dark down here in the south. 1. 2 months later, a letter in French and posted in Sweden arrived at our Swiss address. This is why we try to play our small part in making it more widely known. Best regards, Hi Trevor, I would certainly pay try to pay for all the crossings making sure you keep proof of payment. When paying on-line you have to confirm the terms and conditions. Note: An appeal to an independent adjudicator must be made within 28 days of receiving the rejection letter. I fully agree that the Dart Charge is not clearly marked, they should have signs to say it operates at 'any time' and there should be signs to indicate the cost. Yes what a system we are from spain april gates open no warning no signs may again same september again same we dit not know becourse road works thinking free of charge than in late november recieved 4 finish of not paying we complain Saying where to pay when we recieved the finish we want to go again dartford crossing putting out van online but say can not find we try to phone after many times put nr this nr that etc line go dead i think this is made special to fuck us for the fines ridiculous how the british goeverment try to make money Now we drive around the m 25 to go to suffolk, Hello, Im Italian, I passed under the tunnel Aug. 16, 2015 with my camper and during the transition I was surprised of the lack of toll, (I had been in London in 2013 and we stopped to pay), today December 1, 2015 I get the sanction and I have to pay 35 pounds, wanted to know if everything is correct, if the company is not doing a scam to all the people who do not know that at that point, things have changed. If you dont pay, they send you a Toll Payment Notice, which costs you 5 NZD. I was totally flabbergasted to see my charge. They charge an Admin fee! Dont get scammed: Just like services such as buying road tax and applying for passports, the new Dart Charge payment system as it is officially known is likely to be targeted by scammers with copycat websites. Lets just hope the Dart scheme is found to be illegal like the York Lendal Bridge was but of course that just means the Council will have to pay a fortune to refund all the illegally-taken fines, which means the local council-tax payers will have to make up for this idiotic scheme. The official Dart Charge site will confirm the make and registration before allowing motorists to pay. I keep returning to sender yet they still come.? I travelled from Brussels to Norwich. So sometime in January 2020, a PCN would have been sent to the address on the V5C. The people using taxes for military use, to go to war and kill innocent civilians, men, women and children they are the criminals. We assumed that as we had by this point paid 2.50, we had complied. Thats right, THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND VEHICLES IN ONE MONTH! Its easy to forget if you only use the crossing once in a while and it is very unfair to refuse to take payment before the fine has been issued. You can pay these online, and if you don't pay within 28 days the cost might increase by 50%. We will be contacting more the Agency and looking for assurances that signage will improve. Signs need improving, the C for congestion charge needs to be removed, the silly name needs to be replaced with the recognisable word toll and the deadline for payment needs to be significantly longer. They will not deal with you either by email or phone snail mail is the only communication In this day & age I despair!!!! I received an email from Hertz to tell me that they took money on my credit card to pay a parking fine. Civil servants, such as mps get expenses for everything to do with travel and yet they serve the public? Hi Follow this link for information and a direct link to an official page where you can start the appeal process. My bank statement shows that I did pay. Will I be ok? Forgot to pay by midnight the following day (we were staying with friends), Paid on Monday. My parents lived in Kent for many years and I have used the crossing many times. If you would like to submit a freedom of information (FOI) or subject access request (SAR), please read this guidance