Two wheels good four wheels bad
Dart Charge goes up - but not for Motorcycles
Lucy England
The Department for Transport is increasing the Dartcharge for the first time in over 10 years. But only for cars, vans, trucks and coaches – not for anything on two wheels – and no rise for quads either.
The idea is to try to manage the traffic under and over the river, which currently has massively exceeded the capacity of the Thames crossings which were designed for a far lower level of vehicular traffic. The current level of traffic crossing is standing at over 150,000 a day and sometimes up to 180,000 at peak crossing times, causing log jams and traffic tail backs in the area.
Car drivers are now facing a hike of £1 for every crossing, taking the charge up to £3.50, while for heavier bigger vehicles it’s going up more.
But the good and surprising news is – oh yes – motorcycles are still free, gratis and for nothing, as are quads! Hurrah!
The aim of the increase is to deter traffic and stop unnecessary journeys in peak hours. Night time journeys between 10pm and 6am are to remain free, with the idea that this will incentivise traffic which can make the journey at any time to opt for a free night time crossing. If this is effective it should reduce some of the daytime and peak journeys being made and thus ease the traffic problems caused by too many vehicles trying to cross.
Local drivers also get a good discount if they use the tunnel regularly and now pay just £25 a year - up from £20 - for unlimited crossings.
It is really nice to have a story about traffic management which actually favours motorcyclists for once. It makes sense to as ptws help traffic flow and don't contribute to jams, and it feels as though this has been recognised.
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