To think that if you;re going to cause a traffic jam by closing 5 toll booths, you should let people through free of charge?

[InternationalPower]

It's just taken me an hour longer than it should have done to get home from football because 5 tool booths were closed at the Dartford Tunnel.

I have no idea why they were closed, but really, surely keeping the traffic moving should be a priority and the tolls could be free (as they are after 10pm) in such circumstances. Obviously this would cost the owners money, but should a condition of their licence (or whatever they have) be that all measures are taken to keep the road flowing freely?

The cost of building the tunnels and bridge was recouped years ago...

maybe the jam was that the barriers wouldn't go up?

Maybe it was, but if they'd let people through the other barriers without having to stop to pay they could have kept the traffic moving.

I am totally inclined to agree with you (often used to make that crossing myself) but I suspect unless compelled by law, they never would for commercial reasons.

It's quite possible they closed some booths to slow down the flow of traffic as there were jams/an accident further round the m25. The tolls are probably their best option when it comes to restricting traffic flow. Signs alerting to hazards with variation in speed limit are very easy to ignore. It is really irritating though.