ump010 Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Crossed the Severn Bridge (new) on Friday, tendered £10 note (toll £6. 40) and got change folded into a receipt (did not ask for receipt). Put money on passenger seat in order not to hold up people behind. When checked I only had 60p change (yes, I looked down the back/side of seat)! Short changed £3!!!! A couple of miles later I stopped at the Magor Services (M4) and in the McDonald's they tried to overcharge me, but I was on my guard by then. So beware if you are heading into Wales! PS. I am Welsh, so this is not an anti-Welsh posting, just fact. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisbee Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Another vote for the "Dart Charge" online payment system then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Townie Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 I think the original poster is somebody like me, who only uses the bridge a couple of times a year so prepayment or online payment isn't really an option. The only suggestion is to make sure that you have the correct money available when you get to a toll bridge/road. I usually put a few pounds worth of coins in the ashtray. Mike. Quote 2014 SsangYong Rexton W towing a 2017 Sprite Major 4EB. (After June 9th). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashgordon Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Lets stop messing about with charges all together, the motorist more than pays their own way in taxes having yet another tax to cross a bridge is just time wasting and money grabbing, the Scots abolished all their tolls and the system hasn't come crashing down yet. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david 1220 Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Lets stop messing about with charges all together, the motorist more than pays their own way in taxes having yet another tax to cross a bridge is just time wasting and money grabbing, the Scots abolished all their tolls and the system hasn't come crashing down yet. Nor will it while England subsidizes them !------------ Tin hat now on! 4 Quote Skoda Scout 4x4 pulling a coachman Amara 520/4 at 93%---- when full! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doosan Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 You do need to report this as you may not be the only one this has happened to and if they get enough complaints they will look into it. Does the receipt have a booth number and time on it as this will help who is doing this. Good luck. Quote Bailey Pageant Series 6 Champagne 2007 Tow Car Toyota Rav4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gumdrop Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Having given the benefit of the doubt the first time I was short changed, I complained the next time. Nothing happened. I used the cash bins afterwards but on the rare occassions I use the bridge now I have my disabled card ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suandjas Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 why a disabled card Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Medes Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 (edited) I think the original poster is somebody like me, who only uses the bridge a couple of times a year so prepayment or online payment isn't really an option. The only suggestion is to make sure that you have the correct money available when you get to a toll bridge/road. I usually put a few pounds worth of coins in the ashtray. Mike. Mike, I understand that the Severn Bridge Toll has done away with the "Ashtray" so my brother who used it last week told me, it's either the TAG or the little Green Man Edited December 8, 2014 by Les Medes Quote Les Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suandjas Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Just found out if you have a disabled badge you get it free 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TedNewman Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 I prefer to go in further north where it is free and come out over the bridge and that too is free - seems they are glad to get rid of us Quote Discovery 4 XS SDV6 and Airstream 532 plus 1996 MGF owned since new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Townie Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 (edited) Mike, I understand that the Severn Bridge Toll has done away with the "Ashtray" so my brother who used it last week told me, it's either the TAG or the little Green Man Les, I'm talking about the ashtray in my car, not the coin basket at the toll booth, sorry about any misunderstanding I may have caused. Mike Edited December 8, 2014 by Townie Quote 2014 SsangYong Rexton W towing a 2017 Sprite Major 4EB. (After June 9th). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Grouse Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 I think the original poster is somebody like me, who only uses the bridge a couple of times a year so prepayment or online payment isn't really an option. The only suggestion is to make sure that you have the correct money available when you get to a toll bridge/road. I usually put a few pounds worth of coins in the ashtray. Mike. You can't pay cash at all now at the Dartford crossing, you HAVE to pay electronically - paying money into a Dartcard will give a big discount but not suitable for the occasional use - you can pre-pay - or pay afterwards with 24 hours. But remember the Dartford Crossing is still free at night . Quote 2015 VW Touareg 3. 0 V6 TDI + 2013 Lunar Clubman ES Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Townie Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Sorry for any confusion caused by my post. I was specifically talking about the Severn crossing. I've never used the Dartford crossing, although I'm sure that they are equally nice people when they take your payment! (I did use the Dartmouth Ferry earlier this year. Does that count?) Mike. Quote 2014 SsangYong Rexton W towing a 2017 Sprite Major 4EB. (After June 9th). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Grouse Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Sorry for any confusion caused by my post. I was specifically talking about the Severn crossing. I've never used the Dartford crossing, although I'm sure that they are equally nice people when they take your payment! (I did use the Dartmouth Ferry earlier this year. Does that count?) Mike. I know the thread is about the Severn Crossing - I was just highlighting that the Dartford Crossing stopped taking cash a week ago - everyone has to pay electronically so that the toll booths can be removed and the traffic speeded up - if it's successful, expect the Severn and Tamar Crossings to follow suit eventually. Quote 2015 VW Touareg 3. 0 V6 TDI + 2013 Lunar Clubman ES Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Townie Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 - if it's successful, expect the Severn and Tamar Crossings to follow suit eventually. I was unaware that this is in the pipeline, thanks for the info. How does the "pay afterwards" work? Do you drive through, get photographed by ANPR, and pay within 24 hours? I ask because we only use the Severn bridge about 6 or so times a year, when we caravan in the West Country. Mike Quote 2014 SsangYong Rexton W towing a 2017 Sprite Major 4EB. (After June 9th). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gumdrop Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 I think you can use your, comuter or phone or even buy a prepaid ticket Disabled i. d badge gives you free crossing not like some of the ones that caused a hold up when they waved their own computer printed blue badges. (I see this a lot in disabled parking spaces now). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Townie Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Luckily, I don't qualify for a "Blue Badge", and I would happily seize the vehicle of anybody who tried to misuse them. Vehicle to be returned on the payment of a £1,000 fine. Mike. 2 Quote 2014 SsangYong Rexton W towing a 2017 Sprite Major 4EB. (After June 9th). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimff5 Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Luckily, I don't qualify for a "Blue Badge", and I would happily seize the vehicle of anybody who tried to misuse them. Vehicle to be returned on the payment of a £1,000 fine. Mike. Well said, Mike, I reckon anyone mis-using a disabled parking spot should have their legs broken! BTW I dont have a blue badge. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebird Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Just pay by debit / credit card Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Townie Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Well said, Mike, I reckon anyone mis-using a disabled parking spot should have their legs broken! BTW I dont have a blue badge. I remember when my father-in-law died. I phoned to surrender his blue badge, and the lady on the other end of the phone said something along the lines of "Thanks for that. Most people hang on to them and use them until they get caught." I've always thought that an extremely large fine, (at least), would encourage people NOT to misuse blue badges. Especially one of our local doctors who parked in my neighbours blue badge bay, (a mere 35 yards from the surgery). When challenged about it she said "Oh, I didn't realise it was for blue badges only". She had signed the form indicating there was a medical necessity for the bay!!! Quote 2014 SsangYong Rexton W towing a 2017 Sprite Major 4EB. (After June 9th). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Grouse Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 Bridge/toll concessions for disabled drivers is very variable - some give no concession at all, a few are free with a Blue Badge but most concessions require disability benefit and/or VED-exempt taxation class. Bridges are toll-free for everyone in Scotland - ferries run by the local authorities, like Corran Ferry, are free for Blue Badge holders (but they still charge for the caravan) - Calmac ferries give no concession. I remember when my father-in-law died. I phoned to surrender his blue badge, and the lady on the other end of the phone said something along the lines of "Thanks for that. Most people hang on to them and use them until they get caught." I've always thought that an extremely large fine, (at least), would encourage people NOT to misuse blue badges. Especially one of our local doctors who parked in my neighbours blue badge bay, (a mere 35 yards from the surgery). When challenged about it she said "Oh, I didn't realise it was for blue badges only". She had signed the form indicating there was a medical necessity for the bay!!! From time to time there are spates of car break-ins where the only thing stolen is the Blue Badge - stolen genuine ones are worth about £1,000 on the black market. Quote 2015 VW Touareg 3. 0 V6 TDI + 2013 Lunar Clubman ES Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Medes Posted December 9, 2014 Share Posted December 9, 2014 Les, I'm talking about the ashtray in my car, not the coin basket at the toll booth, sorry about any misunderstanding I may have caused. Mike My brain must have been out of gear !! Quote Les Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lunarloopy Posted December 9, 2014 Share Posted December 9, 2014 They're making a new bridge over the River Mersey between Runcorn + Widnes, this new one will have a toll system, and what's worse they're making the old bridge, which is toll free, a toll payable bridge! 1 Quote Volvo XC60 D5 AWD AUTO. Lunar Lexon 570 We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing 2 x darling grandaughters and her Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 9, 2014 Share Posted December 9, 2014 Crossed the Severn Bridge (new) on Friday, tendered £10 note (toll £6. 40) and got change folded into a receipt (did not ask for receipt). Put money on passenger seat in order not to hold up people behind. When checked I only had 60p change (yes, I looked down the back/side of seat)! Short changed £3!!!! Another vote for the "Dart Charge" online payment system then. No, it sounds like a good case for never charging tolls on any UK bridge or motorway. Just take the costs from other taxes such a road tax or fuel tax - goodness knows we pay enough to cover this if the money wasn't being mismanaged! Just my opinion, Gordon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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