Dartford Crossing question

[cjs]

So I went through the tunnel today, I'm not a regular. I was in a small van and whilst approaching I noticed there are around 6 lanes which are correct money only (£1.50) and have a car only sign. I pulled across into the queue with all the trucks and vans however, some small vans and a pick up went straight to the car only barriers and went through.

So has anyone ever done this? Did you have to pay £2.00 for a van or did you get away with £1.50? Did anyone tell you off ? Is there a penalty?

Can I get away with this next time!!??

[MX7]

Seen it done a few times. I guess that, for the sake of convenience, they let them go through, but I don't know if the Dartford Crossing SWAT Team come knocking at your door at 4am demanding their 50p back.

[Superhoop]

There are cameras on every lane, so I'm guessing they'll only get away with it until the fine arrives in the post

[MikeDH]

Don't worry, the automated toll didn't take my £1.50 the other week so I had to chuck another quid in, so it's all paid for...

[blaineuk]

i did it a while back, no fine yet.

[Yodafone]

Astra vans need to pay the same as normal vans across it as I was stopped at the auto barrier by someone standing there, he stopped the gate, I asked him why it was not opening as it had the last time I went he said that I was classed as a van even dispite it being car based.

It has to have someone to stop you, if no one there you can get across with just paying the car rate.

This was about a year ago don't know if it has changed now.

[GTIR]

dibbers006 said:

Pisa takers get flagged and next time they cross they are escorted to the control areas and you pay a fine.

Likewise if you dont have cash you take a slip and pay extra next time.

I think both of those statements are poo.

If you don't have any money they take you to the side and get as much id from you and may, possibly let you through. If you don't have payment they escort you back the way you came. Speaking from experience, anti-clickwise in an artic truck.

I no not of this "slip" you speak of. (see above if you don't have money)

Vans go through and only if an operative see's them will they be stopped. There is no hotlist or ban list.

[deadalfa]

I didn't have money the first time I used it (on the way back from Europe). I assumed you could pay by card. I offered to send payment in the post, offered postage stamps, and in the end the chap I was speaking to said "just give me a few of your leftover Euros, I'm off on my holidays in a few weeks, it'll come in handy". So basically they accept bribes.

[Dog Star]

Ah, the Dartford crossing. A couple of years ago me and a mate were going to France on motorbikes. About 11pm pulled up to the tollbooth side-by-side, CHiPs stylee

The sign said that motorbikes were free so the barrier went up. So we set off together (didn't realsie we'd have to go one at once) only my mate got away a bit quicker and wham! down comes the barrier basically right in my face. I thought I was a goner - but as luck would have it they're a really lightweight celluloid or something and it just unclipped. So it didn't cause any damage or pain or take my head off.

I was most amused by the bloke who came out of the toll booth to pick it up - proper cockernee - "Bladdy idiot, gor blimey pen and ink ya stupid bleeder" etc etc

[cjs]

So to return to my original question.....the consensus is that if you go to the 'Car Only Lanes' in a small van they will let you through but will charge you the full £2.00? But if there is no attendant at the barrier you can get through for the car rate of £1.50?

[Yodafone]

cjs said:

So to return to my original question.....the consensus is that if you go to the 'Car Only Lanes' in a small van they will let you through but will charge you the full £2.00? But if there is no attendant at the barrier you can get through for the car rate of £1.50?

Yes that is correct if some standing he will not let you go if no one there you get through at car rate.

[jomcvelia]

Used to work in Croydon on nights i live in Essex. On the way home at around 5 am i would regularly do this in my van. Only once did an old boy jump out from know where and ask how much did i put in.

[8400rpm]

Our old Astra van had a bench seat in the back to carry 4 people. The booth operators used to class it as a car. Result! Well, most of the time, some were up-tight arses.

That was back in ye olden days () of when it was only a pound.

[nelly1]

dibbers006 said:

The bloody gates shouldn't even be there as anybody driving it on a Friday will bear testament to.

Surely not - they are there to ease congestion apparently...

[AddieB]

I went through in a 7m camper van for £1.50 several times. I think it's as long as you can fit through the gap!

This is certainly the principal for europe tolls, pay EUR10 or EUR30. Had to pull the mirrors in and close my eyes, but made it through the EUR10 one!

Edited by AddieB on Friday 25th June 16:31

[Wheelrepairit]

They have no idea what a Nissan Navara is classed as, sometimes I pay car rates, sometimes a van price.

Yet my lwb merc sprinters were classed as cars for a while as they had side windows.

Muppets