Reinstate Assisted Dartford Crossing Escort Patrols
(Radcep)

 To all Motorists, Passengers and Non-Drivers 
(Everyone can sign)
 Please give your support and sign petition by downloading paper petition & get everyone to sign.
(Currently awaiting new governments advice re online petitions)

Service ceased from 1st August 2009 it appears on just the opinion/whim of 2 people at the Highways Agency. 
Without any facts to back up their statements, comments or justification.  

They advise ALL INFORMATION (including all records) before 30TH JUNE 2009, MISSING
 (Therefore, either; Lost, mislaid, deleted, destroyed or never noted, as all meetings were informal - nothing even in backups!!!)
State only make notes if consider an important matter!

The previous providers, actually stated, ‘Given the long standing nature of this valued service to our customers,
without incident, we were concerned to this being appropriately addressed.  

Campaign is led by Jeffrey Goodwin, Basildon Essex & Albert Smith, Gillingham Kent

                     Write to your MP (Click Here)

If you wish to assist in campaign 
Please e/mail your telephone no. and you will be contacted.

e/mail address:  radcep@virginmedia.com 

No attachments please (as unable to open - include in e/mail - thankyou)

Correspondence Address
RADCEP
Educational Learning Limited
PO Box 6349
Basildon
Essex
SS14 0JB

 Last updated 7th July 2010

The Highways Agency appear unwilling to supply the real reason why this service was considered to be withdrawn in the first place, 
only issued false information.

 
UNIQUE - Dartford River Crossing
 QEII Bridge – 80% Higher than Severn Crossing Bridge.  (Compare the 80% to wording – see the difference).
There are no real comparisons anywhere in the country where you have a bridge going up to the sky and tunnel(s) in the other direction. 

COMMENTs by - HIGHWAYS AGENCY

“ I don’t think it’s a question of benefit, I think it’s a question of whether or not it was ever a good thing to be doing” ………….
“It was clearly a benefit from those who benefited from the service, there was no question about that”.  “To have it taken away I guess, because I am not in that position, a significant hardship to those that involved.  I’ve got no illusions about that". 

They stated took DVLA and Police advice.  NOTE: advice they took was general applying to all motorists Nationwide.

From correspondence and comments from people at the Highways Agency, it appears all the information they give is actual opinions of comments or other peoples opinions, as they have nothing in writing, not even making notes or keeping minutes of meetings, as all done informally!

After 40 years, of Assisted Dartford Crossing Escort Patrols, this beneficial service for the QE2 Bridge and Tunnels, was discontinued at midnight on the 31st July 2009, by the Highways Agency.

Highways Agency

Officers  previously gave the assistance to people at the Dartford Crossing when in effect and stated that people who travelled, even to work for many years, suddenly needed assistance for this part of their journey.

They either drove vehicles or escorted them and it has been confirmed that this did not cause any work problems and there were no incidents.

Alternative Routes

There suggestion is the Woolwich Ferry, which when operating is only at certain times or the Blackwall Tunnel which is closed Southbound for up to 3 years from 9pm to 5am 4 nights a week and at other times.  Is absolutely of no use to those who suffer from claustrophobia, a silly suggestion at best!

NOTE: The Highways Agency has written: -
‘I don’t plan to over promote the shortest diversion because that is through the Blackwall Tunnel or over the Thames at Woolwich, which is not really any use to those who can’t use the DRC’

DRC - Dartford River Crossing

Medical Conditions

Please see below, Highways Agency manipulation of facts according to what the DVLA has written..  

DRIVERS

The Highways Agency does not appear to have considered alternative routes and their implications for people who suffer from a ‘Fear of Heights’ or ‘Claustrophobia’ or any other disability.

Motorists
HA made no effort to understand phobias and/or Medical Conditions or why the assisted service was in place i.e. Did not discuss with experienced traffic officers.

For many the service just being there gave them confidence to use this part of the National Road Network.  The loss of this invaluable service has caused the following: -

·         Motorists still turn up at the Bridge or Tunnels unaware service ceased.
·         Adversely affects people from all over country/nationwide.
·         People have lost their jobs.
·         People not able to apply for jobs.
·         Businesses to lose work and employees.
·         Adversely affected Businesses affected with either extra costs or loss of work.
·         To take long diversionary routes which increases:
Pollution, Congestion, Distance travelled, Time and Costs.
·         Stopped people or makes it extremely difficult for people to see family and friends.  Also for social activities and to go on holiday.

Medical Conditions

Please NOTE: - many people suffer from a Fear of Heights and/or Claustrophobia,  
both are not reportable as stated by the DVLA.

According to a BBC broadcast 1 in 10 people suffer from a Fear of Heights, very few people actually suffer with Vertigo.

The DVLA have confirmed in writing ***that out of Claustrophobia, Fear of Heights and Vertigo, only vertigo would be investigated by the DVLA. This is as a result of the occasionally severe dizziness that can be a symptom of the condition’.

For many the service just being there gave them confidence to use this part of the National Road Network.  

FIT TO DRIVE   
This wording ‘Fit to Drive’ appears is Highways Agencies interpretation to give the wrong impression to justify their decision.

The HA has written: -
I’m talking about drivers with a fear of heights or enclosed spaces.
'...the view here is we can’t really be one part of government doing something that conflicts with another part of it – i.e. helping someone get round the ability to drive in any situation that compromises their driving licence and standard, as in the DVLA and DSA'

(The Highways Agency comment incorrectly infers up to 20% of drivers are ‘Not Fit to Drive’ and is a manipulation of the actual facts).  

Please note TOTALLY INACCURATE (Untrue) as confirmed by the DVLA statement above*** 
that a Fear of Heights and/or Claustrophobia are not reportable.

Therefore, obviously will NOT compromise anyone’s driving licence.

DVLA would investigate Vertigo as severe dizziness can be a symptom of condition.
This proves that their comment is a manipulation of the actual facts.

Therefore, to have this service reinstated and if required the necessary legislation passed, please download and sign the paper PETITION and send to correspondence address. 

Link to help you find your Local MPs details:   

http://www.parliament.uk/about/contacting/mp.cfm 

Letter to your Local Member of Parliament
[Rt Hon ***  *** MP]

[Your Address & Date]

Heading

Reinstate Assisted Dartford Crossing Escort Patrols