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  • "
    AuldGit wrote:
    No, jackdt09, I don't think anyone is going to use the crossing simply because it is free, but some will time their journey to avoid the charge, therefore actually increasing peak time use - just as the free use before 6 a.m. seems to cause a mad rush with drivers breaking speed limits to get through before the charge is applied
    I think the rush at 6am isn't to avoid the cost, its to try and avoid being trapped in traffic waiting to pay and possibly to avoid the inconvenience of digging out change.
    If there were no barriers then think how easily traffic would flow, not only at the crossing but for miles onto the M25.
    The only down point is they would need to up security in case of terrorism as people would drive freely. Some warnings about large vehicles and a police presence should theoretically sort that, though."
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Toll-free crossing to ease jams?

Notorious – long queues regularly hold up traffic at the crossing Notorious – long queues regularly hold up traffic at the crossing

TOLL booth barriers at the Dartford Crossing could be lifted at peak times, the Department for Transport has said.

It is also to ask the Highways Agency to look at whether new licence plate recognition technology could be used in a bid to ease traffic flow on the notorious stretch.

The Dartford Tunnel and Queen Elizabeth II bridge handle about 150,000 vehicles a day and campaigners say using the crossing should be made free as it has now paid for itself since opening. The crossing currently costs £1.50 for cars between 6am and 10pm.

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