Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988

23Restriction on use by certain classes of traffic

(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (4) below, so much of the A282 as passes through the tunnels or is carried by the bridge and such other parts of the crossing and such parts of the approach roads as may be prescribed shall not be available for use by any of the following classes of traffic—

(a)pedestrians;

(b)animals;

(c)pedal cycles; and

(d)other vehicles which are not mechanically powered (unless drawn by a mechanically powered vehicle).

(2)The Secretary of State may at any time by such notice in writing as he thinks appropriate withdraw or suspend (either permanently or temporarily and either as respects particular traffic or as respects traffic of all or any of the classes mentioned in subsection (1) above) the restriction imposed by that subsection.

(3)Such a withdrawal or suspension may be made on and subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary of State may determine, including conditions imposing tolls at such of the levels at which tolls are for the time being levied as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(4)The restriction imposed by subsection (1) above shall not applyto—

(a)any person performing work, duties or services relating to the crossing or the approach roads;

(b)any constable acting in the execution of his duty;

(c)any member of the naval, military or air forces while on duty in the service of the Crown; or

(d)any inspector appointed under section 19 of the [1974 c. 37.] Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 acting in the execution of his duty;

or to any vehicle of which any such person is in charge or to any person to whom it would otherwise apply only in consequence of a breakdown of a vehicle or other emergency.

(5)A person who contravenes the restriction imposed by subsection (1) above shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(6)Any such person may be stopped by any traffic officer or by any person employed at the crossing for the purpose of the collection of tolls.

(7)Any person who is about to contravene the restriction imposed by subsection (1) above may be prevented from doing so by any traffic officer or by any person so employed.

(8)For the purposes of this section a person contravenes the restriction imposed by subsection (1) above if he uses any part of the crossing or of the approach roads contrary to the restriction or if he is in charge of an animal or vehicle which does so; and where he does so by being in charge of an animal or vehicle a traffic officer or person so employed may move the animal or vehicle to a place where the restriction does not apply.

(9)A traffic officer or person so employed may exercise the powers conferred by subsections (6) to (8) above with such assistance as he thinks necessary.