Who is a Technician/Mobile Valeter?
A car valet, also known as valeter, is a person who cleans and details vehicles. It takes a few hours to give a car a full valet. This servicing requires constant movement to different appointment locations. The mobile valeter or technician carries out high-quality car cleaning, as well as providing excellent customer service.
Duties:
- Travel to customer locations for the services
- Carry out exterior and interior valets on cars to a high standard
- Exterior treatments include washing cars using high pressure hoses, leather, apply wax and polish by hand or by using an electric buffer
- Interior treatments include vacuuming and shampooing the carpets and seats, cleaning the dashboard and polishing the windows
- Train new technicians/valeters and support operatives
Requirements:
- A valid UK driving license
- The Technician/Mobile Valeter will be punctual, reliable and hard working
- The ability to work well on your own
- Previous experience valeting at a high standard
Congestion Zone
The Congestion Zone, also known as the Congestion Charge Zone, is a designated area in central London where a fee is charged to most vehicles driving within the zone during specific hours. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Key details include:
- Operating Hours: Typically Monday to Friday, from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Times may vary, so it's important to check the latest information.
- Fee: Vehicles entering the zone during operating hours must pay a daily charge.
- Exemptions: Certain vehicles are exempt, such as emergency services, electric vehicles, and vehicles for disabled persons.
Avoiding the Congestion Zone in London
To avoid entering the Congestion Charge Zone when driving in London:
1. Plan Routes Carefully: Use navigation tools to plot routes that avoid the congestion zone.
2. Travel at Off-Peak Times: Travel outside the congestion charge operating hours.
3. Alternative Transportation: Consider using public transport, cycling, or walking.
4. Familiarize with Boundaries: Know the boundaries of the Congestion Charge Zone, which are clearly marked with road signs.
Setting Google Maps to Avoid Congestion Zones
Google Maps does not have a specific setting to avoid congestion zones, but you can use the "Avoid tolls" option and manually adjust your route to avoid known congestion areas.
1. Open Google Maps on your device.
2. Enter Your Destination and tap on Directions or your location to the destination
3. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner to open Route options.
4. Check the Box for Avoid tolls.
5. Review the Route: Make sure the suggested route does not enter the Congestion Charge Zone by zooming into central London and manually adjusting as necessary.
Setting Waze to Avoid Congestion Zones
Waze also does not have a specific setting for congestion zones, but you can set it to avoid tolls, which can help you navigate around the Congestion Charge Zone.
1. Open Waze on your device.
2. Tap the Search button (magnifying glass) in the bottom left.
3. Tap the Settings gear icon in the top left corner.
4. Go to Navigation.
5. Toggle the option to Avoid toll roads.
6. Plan Your Route: Ensure that the suggested route avoids the Congestion Charge Zone by manually checking the map.
The Dart Charge is the toll system used for the Dartford Crossing in the UK, which includes both the Dartford Tunnel and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, connecting Dartford in Kent to Thurrock in Essex over the River Thames. The Dart Charge is aimed at reducing congestion and improving traffic flow at the crossing.
Key Details about the Dart Charge
1. Charging Times:
- The charge applies every day between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.
- No charge is applied overnight between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
2. Payment:
- Payments must be made by midnight the day after you use the crossing.
- You can pay online, by phone, via a mobile app, or at certain retail locations.
- Pre-pay accounts are available, offering a discount on the charge.
3. Fees:
- Charges vary depending on the type of vehicle. For example, as of 2024, cars typically pay around £2.50 per crossing, while larger vehicles like lorries pay more.
4. Penalties:
- If you fail to pay the charge on time, a penalty charge notice (PCN) will be issued. This can be substantially higher than the standard charge.
How to Avoid Dart Charge Fees
To avoid paying the Dart Charge, consider these alternatives:
1. Travel Overnight: Plan your trip to cross the Dartford Crossing between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am when the charge does not apply.
2. Use Alternative Routes: Consider using other river crossings such as the Blackwall Tunnel, the Woolwich Ferry (which is free), or the M25 around the western section of London.
3. Public Transport: Use public transportation options that do not involve the Dartford Crossing.How to Pay the Dart Charge
1. Online: Visit the Dart Charge website [www.gov.uk/dart-charge](https://www.gov.uk/dart-charge) and follow the instructions to pay.
2. By Phone: Call the Dart Charge contact center at 0300 300 0120.
3. Mobile App: Download and use the official Dart Charge app to make payments.
4. Retail Outlets: Pay at designated Payzone retail outlets.
Setting Navigation Apps to Avoid Dartford Crossing
Google Maps
1. Open Google Maps on your device.
2. Enter your starting point and destination.
3. Tap on Directions.
4. Tap on the three dots (menu icon) in the top right corner.
5. Select Route options.
6. Check the box for Avoid tolls.
7. Google Maps will then provide alternative routes that do not include the Dartford Crossing.Waze
1. Open Waze on your device.
2. Tap on the Search button (magnifying glass) at the bottom left.
3. Tap on the Settings gear icon in the top left corner.
4. Go to Navigation.
5. Toggle the option to Avoid toll roads.
6. Plan your route. Waze will provide alternative routes that avoid the Dartford Crossing.To avoid the Dart Charge (related to the Dartford Crossing), congestion charges, and tolls using Apple Maps, you need to adjust the route settings within the app. Here's how to do it:
Avoiding Tolls and Congestion Zones on Apple Maps
1. Open Apple Maps:
- Launch the Apple Maps app on your iPhone.
2. Enter Your Destination:
- Type your destination into the search bar and select it from the list of results.
3. Get Directions:
- Tap on the "Directions" button.
4. Access Route Options:
- Before starting your route, tap on the information icon (an "i" in a circle) next to the travel time and distance.
5. Avoid Tolls:
- Toggle on the option to "Avoid Tolls." This setting helps you avoid areas like the Dartford Crossing, which has a toll charge.
6. Review Your Route:
- Apple Maps will now calculate a route that avoids toll roads. Verify that the proposed route does not go through the congestion charge zone in central London.
7. Start Navigation:
- Tap "Go" to begin your journey with the updated route settings.
Additional Tips
- Manually Check Boundaries: Since Apple Maps does not specifically mark congestion zones, familiarize yourself with the boundaries of the London Congestion Charge Zone to manually verify your route.
- Alternative Routes: If Apple Maps still routes you through toll or congestion zones, consider using public transportation, cycling, or walking as alternatives within those areas.
- Time Your Travel: Travel outside the hours when congestion charges apply (typically 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays for central London) to avoid the charges altogether.
N.B You can use Dartford crossing freely as we have an account for that.