Dartford Crossing charge to rise

A cost increase for coaches and buses using the Dartford Crossing is to be in place from 1 September 2025.

From that date, category C two-axle buses and coaches will be charged £4.20 (or £3.60 for pre-pay account holders), up from the current £3 (or £2.63 pre-paid). Category D tri-axle PCVs are to be charged £8.40 (or £7.20 for pre-pay account holders), rising from today’s £6 (or £5.19 is pre-paid).

Prices for other vehicles to cross will also rise from the date.

The changes to the tariff were announced by Lillian Greenwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Future of Roads), in a written statement to Parliament.

The charges were last increased in 20114, when the bridge’s toll booths were removed in favour of a digital system. In the 11 years since, demand at the crossing has grown 7.5%, with the crossing now used by an average of over 150,000 vehicles every day and up to 180,000 vehicles on the busiest days.

“These traffic levels are well in excess of the crossing’s design capacity, causing delays for drivers using the crossing, congestion and journey disruption to drivers on the M25 and a range of knock-on impacts for local communities,” the statement to Parliament said.

It said current charging levels are no longer sufficient to achieve their stated aim of managing demand so the crossing works well for users and local people.

Journeys made between 10pm and 6am will continue to be free.

“This adds to running costs at an already financially challenging time for many businesses” – Road Haulage Association (RHA) Policy Lead, James Barwise

Road Haulage Association (RHA) Policy Lead, James Barwise, commented on the price rise: “We recently welcomed the Lower Thames Crossing decision as it’s an essential infrastructure project that we want delivered as soon as possible.

“It’s therefore regrettable that the charge increase has been so significant. This adds to running costs at an already financially challenging time for many businesses in our sector (HGVs, Coaches & Vans) and ultimately pushes up prices for consumers.

“The RHA will continue to engage with decision-makers on this.”