I used it one-way today, north to south.
I left Grays station at about 8.30 and turned up at the crossing at about 8.50. Three men were sitting roun a table in the southbound control. I asked them for a lit across. They advised me to use the phone outside, which I had overlooked, but did. I dialled the number and was told that I was too late to cross an would have to wait until 10.30.
I then noticed a notice which I previously hadn't which listed the times when cyclists can't cross. 9.00 am to 10.30 am. I pointed out that it was 8.50 and therefore I wasn't too late.
"I'm on the south side and you're on the north side" came the reply. "By the time I've got to you and brought you over I will be into my break, so you'll have to wait until 10.30."
I wasn't happy with this and told the three men who were siting round the table that I wasn't. One of them picked up the phone. "He'll be here in a minute" came the reply, and sure enough a large pickup trick with bike rack soon appeared. I was taken across and took my bike off at 9.05.
This whole episode strikes me as being firstly pathetic and secondly insidious. Imagine the outcry if the bridge were to be closed to motorised traffic for a total of 5 hours a day just so that a small group of workers could have a break.
There is no mention of these restrictions that I have been able to find on
the crossing's website. It seems to me to be an arbitrary decision taken by someone who may well not have the authority to take that decision. When the crossing was introduced in the 1960s safeguards were put in place to ensure that cyclists could cross.
Cyclists
Cyclists are prohibited from riding across the bridge or through the tunnels. However the Crossing staff will arrange for you to be transported from one side to the other free of charge.
Northbound cyclists should head to the Kent Control Point. Southbound cyclists should dismount at the Essex control point — a free call telephone is provided should this point be unattended. The transfer should take 15 to 30 minutes.
If you are riding a tandem or travelling as a group it is advisable to make prior arrangements by contacting the Crossing.
https://twitter.com/WowbaggerHT/status/475568761777709056The notice reads:
For the benefit of cyclists and the efficiency of the service a timetable has been introduced for teh Dartford Thurrock River Crossing.
All users of this service are still invited to comment and make suggestions.
There will be no service from
9am to 10.30 am
2pm to 3pm
9pm to 10.30pm
2am to 3 am