1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2012;
(2) Articles 1, 2, 5 and 6 come into force on 1st October 2012; and
(3) Articles 3, 4 and 7 come into force on the 7th October 2012.
2. In this Order—
“charging regime” means the charging regime set out in Schedule 2 that applies to the crossing;
“crossing” means the length of highway set out in Schedule 1 and as indicated on the plan;
“local resident” means a person who permanently resides in the borough of Dartford or Thurrock;
“the plan” means the plan marked “the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2012”, signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport, and deposited at DfT Records Management Branch, Floor 13 (IMD), Ashdown House, St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings, East Sussex TN37 7GA; and
(1) all measurements of distance are measured along the route of the crossing.
3. From 0600 hours on 7th October 2012 the crossing is designated as being subject to the charging regime.
4.—(1) There will be no charge for any motor vehicle from 2200 hours up to, but not including, 0600 hours the following morning.
(2) The charging regime applies to all classes of motor vehicles, as defined in the Road User Charging and Workplace Parking Levy (Classes of Motor Vehicles) (England) Regulations 2001(1), using the crossing with the exception of those motor vehicles set out in Schedule 3.
(3) For the purposes of this Order, classes of motor vehicle to which the charging regime applies, and which are drawing a trailer, will be charged as though they are not drawing a trailer.
5.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary of State (or the Secretary of State’s agent) may enter into an agreement (“a composition agreement”) with persons under which, on such terms as may be provided by the agreement, charges for a motor vehicle to be used on the crossing may be paid compound in advance.
(2) The composition agreement may relate to use on such number of occasions, or during such period, as may be provided by the agreement, and may provide for a reduction to the charges set out in the charging regime.
(3) Any composition agreement offered by the Secretary of State (or the Secretary of State’s agent) must be offered on the same terms to all persons seeking to enter into such an agreement.
6.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary of State (or the Secretary of State’s agent) may enter into an agreement with local residents (“a local resident’s agreement”) under which, on such terms as may be provided by the agreement, charges for a motor vehicle to be used on the crossing may be paid compound in advance.
(2) A local resident’s agreement may relate to use on such number of occasions, or during such period, as may be provided by the agreement, and may provide for a reduction to the charges set out in the charging regime.
(3) A local resident’s agreement offered by the Secretary of State (or the Secretary of State’s agent) must be offered on the same terms to all local residents seeking to enter into such an agreement.
7. The A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2008(2) is revoked.
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport
Fiona C Wilson
Divisional Manager Strategic Roads Division
Department for Transport
14th September 2012