Video reveals how Dartford Tunnel safety system will operate

30/03/2015 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

A video that shows how the new safety system at the Dartford Crossing will work has been released by the Highways Agency.

It shows how the system that is due to be introduced on the northbound carriageway in May will identify and stop oversized vehicles or those carrying dangerous goods from entering the tunnels.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOhrxtAzqFQ

 

They also provide clear advice to drivers of these vehicles about getting in the correct lane in plenty of time which will help minimise the number of times vehicles need to be stopped and turned around.

The new system is an important part of speeding up journeys at the Crossing now that Dart Charge is in place and drivers no longer need to stop at barriers to pay.

Highways Agency project director Nigel Gray said: “Safety is a top priority for the Highways Agency. The old payment barriers used to provide us with a way to prevent oversized or dangerous goods vehicles from entering the Dartford tunnels, but the introduction of Dart Charge required a new solution. This video shows how the new system will provide the protection needed while keeping disruption to a minimum.”

Since it launched on 30 November last year, Dart Charge has already helped to speed up journeys by removing the need to stop at a barrier to pay the Dartford Crossing charge. But to get the most benefit from the changes, there needs to be a new way of identifying and managing oversized vehicles and dangerous loads before they enter the tunnel – a job until now that was carried out at the payment barriers.

Construction of the new system began in January. Traffic lights, barriers and electronic message signs will be used to safely stop and turn around any vehicle that is not approaching the tunnel in the correct lane, while keeping disruption to other traffic to a minimum.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Highways Supervisor

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a permanent Highways Supervisor Forfar, Angus
Recruiter: Amey

Tree Surveyor

£Competitive
We are excited to offer fantastic opportunities for Permanent Tree Surveyors Scotland
Recruiter: Amey

Chief Operating Officer – South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee

£Competitive
We’re looking for a bold, visionary leader to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer Carmarthenshire (Sir Gaerfyrddin)
Recruiter: Carmarthenshire County Council

Clerk of Works - Highways

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Clerk of Works to join our dynamic NMC SW Account team at Polmadie. Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Supervisor

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a permanent Highways Supervisor to join our NMC NE account in Kinross. Perth and Kinross
Recruiter: Amey

Planner - Highways

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for Permanent Planner – Highways to join our NMC SW Account. Glasgow City
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Permit Officer - Internal works promoter - WMF2244e

£34,434 - £35,412
The streetworks Permit Officer role within the highways service Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Development Management Engineer

£41,816 - £45,175
You will be based in the Highways Development Team and work closely with colleagues across the wider transport service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Transport Project Officer

£34,203 - £37,067
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated project officer to work in our Highways and Transport Service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Engineer - Structures

£40,777 - £44,075
Join the successful Structures team, and become a vital team member Broad Lane Office, Yate
Recruiter: South Gloucestershire Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2251e

£26,403 - £26,824
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Traffic Management Technician WMF2256e

£34,434 to £35,412 (pay award pending)
Westmorland and Furness Council is looking for three experienced and motivated individuals Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Bridge Technician - WMF2257e

£34,434 - £35,412
We are currently seeking to recruit a Senior Bridge Technician to join our Bridges and Structures team. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Network Officer WMF2263e

£38,220 - £39,152
In this role, you will assist in leading the South Lakes Area Highways team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW