bbc.com
Dartford Crossing Fines and Bailiff Issues
Drivers faced aggressive debt collection for Dart Charge fines, causing significant stress and financial burdens. Many fines were issued in error, and debt collectors employed intimidation tactics.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsUkDebtStressEnforcementFinesBailiffs
Dartford CrossingNational HighwaysCder GroupTraffic Enforcement Centre (Tec)
Rachel CanningAneta WasilewskaJen CraftAndy Coote
- What was National Highways' response to the criticisms?
- National Highways, which oversees the Dart Charge, maintains that enforcement agents are used as a last resort and claims the problems stem from drivers having inactive accounts or outdated payment methods.
- What was the main issue faced by drivers using the Dartford Crossing?
- Rachel Canning and other drivers faced aggressive debt collection for Dart Charge fines, even after challenging or paying them, leading to significant stress and financial burdens.
- What was the scale of the problem, and how many drivers were affected?
- The Dart Charge system has issued a large number of fines and referred a significant portion to bailiffs for collection, causing widespread distress among drivers.
- What were the consequences of unpaid or disputed Dart Charge fines for drivers?
- Aneta Wasilewska, despite having a resident discount, was wrongly issued numerous fines and threatened with bailiffs, ultimately leading to a significant financial loss and emotional distress.
- How did the debt collection agencies handle disputes or challenges from drivers?
- Andy Coote, despite having an automated top-up account, faced a barrage of threatening texts and calls from bailiffs and experienced immense stress from the situation, which affected his work.