Dart Charge & London Congestion Charge

[Spyder fan]

Has anybody with an Elan with the original numbers in grill registration used the Dartford Tunnel or Bridge on the M25 recently?

I ask because I have all 3 of my cars registered to use the crossing for automatic payment using the ANPR cameras that are installed now. My modern VW Golf has been across 4 times this month and been picked up correctly each time but my +2 hasn't been charged for using the tunnel yesterday.

I have always assumed that the numbers in grill especially on a +2 would be hard for ANPR cameras to pick up, but have not had the chance to test the theory until now. I have a friend who lives in Thurrock who used his Elan to go into the London congestion charge zone last year, he took a chance on whether his plate would be picked up and didn't pay, nothing came in the post and I believe he has done it a couple more times.

Interested to know if anyone else has been through the tolls and is registered for automatic payment?

Of course my conscience will now be tested

[elan66]

All your cars are modern Alan

[trw99]

Quite so!

Tim

[Spyder fan]

Thanks for the considered and well thought out replies chaps!

Do you think I should query this with Her Majesty's collectors of tolls and tariffs? Or perhaps wait and see if the human operator who checks non recognised numbers manages to decipher the image?

I don't wish to evade the charge; at the moment I'm registered with upfront credit in my Dart Charge account, if the cameras fail to pick me up is it wrong of me to see this as an unexpected bonus?

[elan66]

And welcome to the moral maze,is it keeping you awake at night Alan Mind you when it was built they said it would be free when it was paid for,lied to again Mind you Alan, tax free car and now toll free it makes the cars even more easy to justify

[rcourtney]

I registered my Elan +2 with congestion autopay, I've never been charged for driving in the congestion charge zone.

[simonknee]

The ANPR cameras do struggle (i.e. totally fail) with the Elans plates as far as my experience goes. Though I suspect only at the front and not at the rear.

Why not give the money to a worthy cause of your choice!

[john.p.clegg]

A while ago someone supposedly " in the know " stated thet overhead cameras can't detect Elans number plates,ending with "don't ask me how I know".....I asked how he knew and got no reply...

John

[Apx]

Most ANPR systems work on a digital image looking for sequences of numbers and letters and running through a database, some have an infrared capability to enhance this. The failing for the front number plate is the common position of the cameras, up high and to left and right. this is to prevent splash, road dirt and vandalism to name a few. This would mean that our cars front is rendered unreadable. Other areas, especially security areas have already got around this and will read correctly. I first used ANPR systems in the 1990s and they have come a long way since.

[rcourtney]

I have been reversing into the congestion charge zone to ensure I pay.

Although I think my system might be causing more congestion than my 10 GBp eleaveates - especially considering how long my 3 point turns are taking!

[john.p.clegg]

Nice...

John

[Spyder fan]

Update,
I checked my account yesterday and there was no charge for the +2, but just checked 5 minutes ago and it's now showing as charged.

[elan66]

Ok obviously someone on the forum works in Dartford Alan