Dartford Crossing having a Fine Time!
Figures recently released show that over £160m was raised through the Dartford Toll last year, up by £60m from the previous year. However, it seems that £53m of the £160m was actually raised through issuing fines as a result of non-payment. However, since the introduction of free-flow system in late 2014, overseas motorists and truck drivers owe some £81m as a result of non-payment. The debt has been passed on to the European Debt Recovery Agency, but with little hope of recovery. Perhaps there could be some form of on-line deposit scheme for overseas vehicles entering the country and any fines, tolls or other road related charges are automatically deducted – thereby avoiding the cost and time associated with chasing debts across the continent?
Cllr Clarence Barrett
Where does the money go that’s raised from the crossing tolls?
All money raised rom the Toll goes to the government.
Surely the money goes to Sanef, the firm that owns it.
Not quite – in 2014 Sanef were awarded the contract (£367m over 7 years) to manage the free-flow system. The income generated by the tolls goes straight to the Treasury, however it is reasonable to argue that Sanef get paid their contractual £52m a year from the same revenue in a roundabout way.
Let’s hope that when it comes to maintaining the bridge they don’t ask for any money from the users!
They are building a new crossing to join up to this one, that is costing £6b and bulldozing people’s homes including mine!
can you give examples of such a deposit scheme please? I have been driving my car into Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Lucemburg, Netherlands, Belgium and probably a bunch more countries in recent years and never came across a deposit scheme.
You are right, the deposit scheme referred to is more about fines than for road usage. I have taken that reference out of the item and have just suggested that some kind of on-line deposit scheme could be considered. Apologies, Ed.