Explanatory note

These Regulations make provision for the regulation by the crossing operator of the use of the Dartford–Thurrock Crossing, presently consisting of the Dartford Tunnels, by vehicles exceeding the dimensions or weights prescribed in the Regulations. A charge in addition to any toll is payable to the crossing operator in respect of vehicles above a specified width or length using the tunnels.

Dartford River Crossing Ltd is the crossing operator as defined in section 12(4) of the Dartford–Thurrock Crossing Act 1988 and the address of its Tunnel Operating Division is given below.

Provision is also made for the prohibition or regulation by the crossing operator of the conveyance through the tunnels of dangerous goods. Powers are given to traffic officers appointed by the crossing operator to search vehicles which they suspect of conveying such goods.

Restrictions are imposed regarding the places where vehicles may stop within the crossing or on the approach roads and power is given to a constable or a traffic officer to remove stationary vehicles in unauthorised places. A traffic officer may charge for so doing and for repairing, adjusting or refuelling broken down vehicles.

The Dartford Tunnel Regulations 1988 which previously provided for charges in respect of abnormal loads and removal of broken down vehicles are revoked. Those provisions of the Dartford Tunnel Byelaws 1988 which are superceded by the provisions of these Regulations, for example those regarding use of the tunnels by special type vehicles and dangerous traffic, or which are no longer required are revoked by the Dartford Tunnel Byelaws Variation Order 1989 (S.I. 1989/2373) which will come into force on the same day as these Regulations.

The booklet entitled “Dangerous Traffic” referred to in regulation 6 may be obtained in person or by post from Dartford River Crossing Ltd, Tunnel Operating Division, South Orbital Way, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5PR; The Mersey Tunnels, Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority, Georges Dock Building, Georges Dock Way, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DD and the Tyne Tunnel, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear NE28 0PD.