Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hello

I wonder if anyone can help with this.

On my recent visit into London, it appears that I have (unknowingly) driven through the Rotherhithe tunnel on two separate occasions in my 2.4t van.
I live in Essex and I don't often drive into London so I was just following Google maps.

I saw the signage for width and height dimensions which caused me to pull off to a side road and remove the ladders from the roof of my van to meet the regulations.
Now my van is not fully loaded and weighs less then 2 tonnes. The signage does not detail how the weight is calculated. It simply says 2 tonnes. It does not specify GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) or GTW (Gross Train Weight).
In theory you could drive through the tunnel in a vehicle which weighs less then 2 tonnes but is towing a trailer which would bring the weight over 2 tonnes. So is it fair to say the signage is open to interpretation?
However, the TFL website does specify GVW but again this is not shown on the signage. I feel it would not practical to stop and refer to the TFL website at a moments notice while driving through London.

I have not yet paid the charges and I have only received one so far but I am expecting another.


Any advice would be greatly appreciated in this case.

Many thanks in advanced.



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It does not specify GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) or GTW (Gross Train Weight).

IMO, it doesn't have to. The sign conveys this meaning which as the holder of a driving licence and driving a goods vehicle which you know is plated at 2.4 tonnes you are presumed to know. Sorry, but as regards the sign it's down to you.

See item 13 in the Part 2 sign table: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/362/schedule/3/made

Also the definitions in Schedule 1 and, if you need to, the link to the Construction and Use Regs.