Latest news with #localdrivers
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Dartford Crossing charge to rise by 40 per cent in September – check how much you'll now have to pay
THE Dartford Crossing is set to become more expensive to use in just a couple of months time. The crossing - which was known as the Dartford Tunnel until 1991 - is made up of two tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and carries a charge for many who use it. 3 Used by around 180,000 cars every day the cost of using the crossing will rise from £2.50 to £3.50 on September 1, marking the first price increase since 2014. Transport Secretary, Lilian Greenwood, explained the toll increase was necessary in order to manage the almost 200,000 vehicles that use it everyday. "I am aware that these necessary changes to the charges will be unwelcome news for users of the crossing," she said in a statement to parliament. "These traffic levels are well in excess of the crossing's design capacity, causing delays for drivers." Buses, coaches, vans and other commercial vehicles with two axles will pay up to £4.20 when the new fees kick in, while vehicles with more than two axles will have to pay up to £8.40. The Transport Minister promised "significant" discounts on the tolls for people living locally and car drivers with prepaid accounts. "I am aware that these necessary changes to the charges will be unwelcome news for users of the Crossing," Greenwood said in her stament. "I have been determined to keep the nominal fee paid by local people as low as possible, as many rely on the Crossing to get around their local area." She added that drivers who live in Dartford or Thurrock and who have signed up to the Scheme will pay £25 for unlimited annual crossings from September 1, which is a small increase from the current annual fee. Greenwood argued: "The new charges will be significantly lower than if they had increased in line with inflation since the tariff was last fully revised in 2014." Traffic chaos as 'protesters' climb bridge with warnings of huge delays during morning rush hour The charges at the Dartford Crossing vary depending on the type of vehicle being driven and if the driver already has an account set up on the website. The fees are often referred to as the Dart Charge. Since the tollbooths at the Dartford Crossing have been removed, the charge can be paid on the website. 3 Charges must be settled by midnight the day after crossing but can also be paid in advance. The government website can be used to pay the Dart Charge and to set up an account to make future payments easier and cheaper. Users can also use the service to pay or challenge a fine, as well as check which crossings they have paid for. 3
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Little-known road rule with $600 fine shocks Aussie drivers: 'So confusing'
It's a familiar frustration for Aussie drivers — confusing road markings and missing signs that turn everyday parking into a guessing game. In Melbourne's southeast this week, one local has sparked debate online after spotting a fire hydrant next to a painted parking bay in Mount Waverley, unsure if it's legal to park there. Beside the hydrant on the street is a triangle pointing toward it, but further to the left is a white parking line. In Victoria, road rules state drivers must leave a one-metre gap from hydrants unless signage allows otherwise. But as the Melburnian pointed out, there was no such signage in the location. "There isn't a signpost, and what's the point of the painted parking line on the left?" they asked. The lack of a sign — and the presence of a marked bay — left many scratching their heads. Some argued the space was designed for parking. "Yes, it's ok to park there," a person commented. "Council won't fine you for parking in a marked bay unless you don't comply with parking signage — seems there is no parking signage here." That notion prompted another person to respond: "Interesting, because we had a fire hydrant in front of our house and parked there without a problem for over 20 years." "Why do they make the road rules so confusing?" they asked. Others warned that fire safety regulations take precedence, urging drivers to steer clear even if the area looks legal. "The hydrant rule definitely supercedes painted car parks," another weighed in. "A parking inspector or firefighter isn't going to care if they come to give you a ticket or have to push your car out of the way with their truck to get a hose connected." But according to VicRoads, the department in charge of the state's transport department, drivers are not permitted to stop, park, or leave their vehicle within one metre of a fire hydrant, fire hydrant indicator, or fire plug indicator — unless they're operating a public bus, taxi or minibus. Drivers warned major road rule change with $961 fines 'just weeks' away Common road act that carries a fine in every Aussie state Drivers warned cars and wages could be seized over $160 million issue Importantly, that one-metre rule refers to the horizontal distance between the hydrant and the vehicle on the road, not how far the hydrant sits back from the kerb, which explains the white line on the left. So unless you're in an exceptionally small car, it's best to steer clear. Failing to comply can result in a $118 fine, rising to $122 from July 1 due to indexation, or a maximum court-imposed penalty of up to $592 (increasing to $610). Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Revealed: Areas in Carlisle which have the most roadworks
DRIVERS in Carlisle face major disruption as roadworks continue to affect key routes across the city. If you want to avoid getting stuck in traffic due to roadworks, an interactive map can help you plan your journey. The map, on the Cumberland Council website, has revealed where Carlisle drivers are most likely to get stuck behind roadworks. READ MORE: Police officers respond to concerns of speeding traffic in Cumbrian town Roadworks and maintenance across Carlisle. (Image: Cumberland Council) Users can search by town, postcode or address and view planned works up to 12 months in advance. The map can also show incidents, live traffic and diversions. You can also filter what level of roadworks the map shows – from high impact to all works. Carlisle city centre tops the list for high-impact roadworks, particularly English Street, Victoria Viaduct and Devonshire Street. This is due to the regeneration around the city centre and Greenmarket, which has now been extended until August. Further disruption is being caused by construction on the Southern Link Road, with Wigton Road, Dalston Road, and Peter Lane seeing closures and reduced access. Temporary speed limits are also in place. Roadworks in the city centre. (Image: Cumberland Council) Roads near Durdar are seeing temporary speed limits. They include the road leading from Scalegate Road South to Newbiggin, Brisco Crossroads to the motorway roundabout and Brisco to Wreay. There are multi-way traffic lights at Borland Avenue until the end of May. This is due to utility repair and maintenance works. Northern Gas Networks are also working in Eden Street, where there are similar signals. To find out about the road maintenance works in your area, you can visit Cumberland Council's website here:
