On 17/08/2016 15:36, Roland Perry wrote:

In message , at 15:05:49 on Wed, 17 Aug
2016, tim... remarked:

With Uber, you have to have an account, before you can use it at all.
Cash isn't an option, and nor can you just order an Uber car without
first setting up an account.

You might just as well argue that there's a deterrent to using the
Dartford crossing as you (almost) can't pay for that without setting
up an account

If I can chip in here, yes that is deterrent. I've avoided it ever
since. On the other hand I used the M6 toll for the first time a couple
of months ago, and all you have to do is lean out of the car and use any
old contactless credit card.


Erm, it's not that difficult, really.

(1) Navigate oneself to...
https://www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge

(2) Click on "Start now" and be taken to...
https://www.dartford-crossing-charge.service.gov.uk/Home/Choose

(3) Click on "Make a one off payment" and click on "Next"


It's not an ideal interface, but my principle complaint would be that
accessing an existing account isn't straightforward.

(An aside - the payments pages are labelled "Alpha", still - similar is
found elsewhere on GOV.UK. I think it's an inappropriate and misleading
use of the terminology, and one that won't be understood by many.)


Re the M6 toll - you almost make it sound like "any old contactless
credit card" is required... the staffed booths happily take a handful of
coins!