ericfield Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 (edited) I suppose this would be better vented on the caravan clubs own forum but I doubt it would improve anything. ...and forgive me if I am a GOG (recovering from stomach bug).... Having just read the 'Ask the Club' page where "The club's technical team answers your burning questions" I was astounded at the dedication for in depth reporting. Three quarters of the page (half being a picture) is dedicated to the abolition of the Dartford tolls. Granted they have uncovered and reported the increase in tolls, classifications and given a nod to dart-tag, even how they might dismantle the booths. But how on earth can anyone 'answer burning questions' with. .. "...there will be many places to pay in advance or uptil midnight on the day after crossing (IE. WITH A PREPAY CARD ACCOUNT, ONLINE, AT RETAIL OUTLETS, OVER THE PHONE OR BY POST)" That's it! Now call me picky, but such a burningly important exposé does seem a little thin . ..when nowhere in the article does it give further details (apart from go to the gov website), on exactly how to pay. ..especially for those who shun the Internet. No mention of what retail outlets. ...is it Boots? Greggs? No telephone number or address. No where to apply for an account I KNOW I can always log on and presumably discover the answers on the gov website . ...for myself. But not everyone is web interested or savvy. It just infuriates me when journalists stop short in their work and give half complete reports. It's perhaps ok as a general story buried in the middle of rags. But in a Caravan members magazine that 'answers burning questions'....I am left unquenched. Still . ..at least the tummy bug feels better. Edited July 26, 2014 by ericfield Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil s Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 looking at the gov. uk site now it doesnt look much differant the=an the lez payments, pay online, prepay, text,over the phone or prepay like the yellow boxes in local retailers phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodie106 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 (edited) They havent exactly uncovered the increase in toll charges, it's been common knowledge for about a year that they were going to implement an increase when the tolls booths were dismantled. As for when & where to pay, well they have printed as much as anyone is aware right now. I use the crossing probably a couple of times a month on average as it's only 15 minutes from me & as yet I have no idea how I'm supposed to pay when the booths go. The . gov site says nothing more now than it did 6 months ago even though we are only a couple of months from going toll booth free Edited July 27, 2014 by Woodie106 Quote I refer you to the Rt Hon Member for the 19th Century.....................pictured just to the left of your screen.................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zen Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 We were over in Ireland a couple of years back and they have a similar system on some of their motorways. You're given some time to call into designated places or even on-line to pay the toll. A lot of these places were just newsagents and the likes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BFM Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 I think that identifying those who write for the CC magazine as journalists is perhaps stretching the definition somewhat. Quote Enjoy every minute of every day. It doesn't last nearly as long as you'd like, and there's no guarantee of coming this way again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericfield Posted July 27, 2014 Author Share Posted July 27, 2014 They havent exactly uncovered the increase in toll charges, it's been common knowledge for about a year that they were going to implement an increase when the tolls booths were dismantled. As for when & where to pay, well they have printed as much as anyone is aware right now. I use the crossing probably a couple of times a month on average as it's only 15 minutes from me & as yet I have no idea how I'm supposed to pay when the booths go. The . gov site says nothing more now than it did 6 months ago even though we are only a couple of months from going toll booth free Ok, maybe I am being unduly harsh, if no one else knows yet. But you would think that a simple line, something like. ..."full details yet to be published by the Gov"...after the ways to pays, would have made them look less like 'halfstory' tellers. Perhaps my expectations for journalist reporting are old fashioned? Lol I think that identifying those who write for the CC magazine as journalists is perhaps stretching the definition somewhat. Yes of course, silly me. Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bessacarr425 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 (edited) As to the OP's first sentence, it's probably wise to refrain from any criticism of the Magazine on the CC forum. They seem to be just a tad touchy at the moment about any post which does not refer to the CC in glowing terms. Edited July 27, 2014 by bessacarr425 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OWOMW Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Where's Dartford ? Quote Land Rover is now back towing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durbanite Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Where's Dartford ? Ditto. No idea where this is located so probably will get caught out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moorgate Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 I didn't get as far as that with my magazine. But I did notice the profound in depth advice to get a good night's sound sleep before setting off on a journey. At that point I heard the recycling man come up the lane and I rushed after him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilkhaven Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 My copy of the CC magazine usually goes straight in the recycling bin - never read a decent article (written or substance) in there yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasychips Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Where's Dartford ? M25 tolls, QE2 bridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F70100 Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 And another thing: Great to see that Bristol is being promoted as a destination when the site there is earmarked for closure! Quote Freelander 2 and Bailey Unicorn Valencia (Classic Edition. ..) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlfaEuropa Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 My copy of the CC magazine usually goes straight in the recycling bin - never read a decent article (written or substance) in there yet! You are missing out. The letters page is usually hilarious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ern Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 We stopped both club magazines a year ago. We haven't missed them and don't have to cut our name and address off the plastic wrapper or put the magazines in the recycling bag any more. The magazines are just chocker with adverts for the club, and virtually no decent editorial content. Quote Ern Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepyfolk Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 But in a Caravan members magazine that 'answers burning questions'....I am left unquenched. Have you considered burning it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul_B Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 By reading the Caravan Club magazine I noticed the article about recalls on some caravan cookers and by following the link found out mine was ok Quote Paul B . .......Mondeo Estate & Elddis Avanté 505 (Tobago) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil1041 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 One thing I do miss about the CC I used the mag for lighting the wood burner. Phil. Quote Light travels faster than sound, thats why some people appear bright, until you hear them speak. Mine : Mercedes GLC 250d AMG, Lunar Clubman SB, Rockwood 5th Wheel Trailer, La Manga Spain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 I showed the article regarding emptying the toilet to SWMBO. The bruises will fade soon I'm sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mayblossom Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 The crossword is also far too easy did that and binned the mag! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beejay Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 "...there will be many places to pay in advance or uptil midnight on the day after crossing (IE. WITH A PREPAY CARD ACCOUNT, ONLINE, AT RETAIL OUTLETS, OVER THE PHONE OR BY POST)" That's it! e article does it give further details (apart from go to the gov website), on exactly how to pay. ..especially for those who shun the Internet. No mention of what retail outlets. ...is it Boots? Greggs? No telephone number or address. No where to apply for an account Retail outfits. ...any Paypoint which usually are newsagents and general stores. Telephone number(s).....not yet published for obvious reasons but numbers will be available in good time. Account. .......not yet set up? Existing Dart Tag holders are waiting to be advised An accounts will require a vehicle registration number but more than one vehicle can be included in the same account. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durbanite Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Vehicles that are tax exempt (disabled drivers) do not have to pay, but do they still have to register? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamdrivenandy Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 I browsed the Honda Accord automatic review pondering on why they'd bothered to include a car with such a puny towing limit in a caravan magazine. The manual version I could understand. I was staggered when the reviewer mentioned this lack of load pulling capability but seemed to shrug his shoulders and say that nobody knew why the limit was so low. Surely as a journalist it's his job to find out and tell readers. Quote I've got nothing to do on this hot afternoon but to settle down and write you a line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poolebob Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 If you think the CC magazine is bad you should see the C &CC magazine, That really is a waste of paper. poolebob Quote Honda CRV Diesel Petrol & No caravan now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lesbunny Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Tut, tut all you knockers out there, I look forward to getting the CC magazine as I am reminded each month of how much money I saved by not insuring with them . Also have to agree with post #14 - the letters page can be a hoot. This months "star" letter for the umpteenth time reporting electric cables left attached by motorhomers & speeding drivers on club sites. Now there is no doubt that leaving live cables lying around should not be condoned but adding the " in a puddle " comment is surely added for dramatic impact ? As correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't a live cable in a puddle simply trip the bollard electrics thereby rendering said cable harmless ? Quote Les. 2. 0ltr 150TDCi TITANIUM X KUGA + 2016 Elddis Crusader Mistral ( Misty ) " I could agree with you, but then we'd both be wrong " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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