RADCEP

Updated 26th January 2012

Reinstate Assisted Dartford Crossing Escort Patrols (Radcep)

If anyone wishes/can assist please kindly write to the Contact address.

Facebook page will be opened shortly, as will petition.

To have the Highways Agency
reinstate the Assisted Dartford Crossing Escort Patrols,
for both the QEII Bridge & both tunnels
(in effect for over 40 years, informed without incident)
service withdrawn by them from midnight 31st July 2009
(Decision made 2nd July 2009 – advising people only a short time before ceasing as were worried about objections) without, it appears, any justification, besides not appearing to understand why the Assistance was there in the first place.

HIGHWAYS AGENCY

Appears from correspondence they did not follow Normal Procedures:
States “I therefore find any suggestion of ceasing this service provided to customers ‘with immediate effect’ somewhat surprising to say the very least given the HA usual stance of consulting customers and stakeholders on any changes proposed’.

Highways Agency has written they acknowledge problems for Drivers, especially regarding the QEII Bridge and whilst are unable to give  any real justification for the withdrawal of this service, refuse to meet. 
Also continue to issue false or totally misleading
information as to why this service was withdrawn
e.g. state based on advice from DVLA & Police
TOTALLY FALSE 

They advise all information before 30TH JUNE 2009, MISSING
(Therefore, have  either; Lost, mislaid, deleted, destroyed or never noted) 

No records in existence, not even in backups
No Consultation,
No Research,
No Comparisons,
No written facts, to back up their statements,
No notes ever taken at meetings, as all meetings informal!

Bewildering is an understatement! 

The Highways Agency have supplied quite a bit of information
under the Freedom of Information Act, but  have either: 
Made up comments; Given just their opinion without any facts
to back it  up or lied, as it appears they have done to the
Minister, the Public, MPs and the Media.  
When you write to them via ones MP, or the Minister, I have been informed that the Highways Agency write the reply for the Minister to sign so of no real help.     

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 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.

IF the HIGHWAYS AGENCY TAKEs any ISSUE
WITH the ABOVE STATEMENTs please WRITE TO the
CONTACT ADDRESS with full facts and supporting documentation IMMEDIATELY (In writing & paper copies) 


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.