Here’s what you need to know before the changes come in.
The Department for Transport confirmed the hike in Parliament on June 17, saying higher tolls were needed to help tackle congestion.
The crossing, which carries more than 150,000 vehicles a day, links Thurrock in Essex with Dartford in Kent via the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and two tunnels.
Why are prices rising?
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood MP said current charges are no longer sufficient to manage traffic. She told MPs: “The crossing now carries over 150,000 vehicles a day and up to 180,000 on the busiest days.”
She added that the increase highlights the need for the planned Lower Thames Crossing, a new road tunnel designed to relieve pressure on Dartford.
The new charges
From Sunday, the tolls will be:
-
Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes (Class A): Free
-
Cars, motorhomes, and minibuses with 9 seats or fewer (Class B): £3.50 (£2.80 with pre-pay) – up from £2.50
-
Buses, coaches, vans and goods vehicles with 2 axles (Class C): £4.20 (£3.60 with pre-pay) – up from £3
-
Buses, coaches, vans and goods vehicles with more than 2 axles (Class D): £8.40 (£7.20 with pre-pay) – up from £6
Residents of Dartford and Thurrock will continue to benefit from local discounts, although the cost of an unlimited annual pass will rise from £20 to £25. Night-time crossings between 10pm and 6am will remain free, as will motorcycles and the cycle pick-up service.
What critics say
The rise has drawn sharp criticism from motoring groups and industry representatives.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said most people would see the 40% increase as “nothing else but a revenue raiser.”
AA president Edmund King said tolling was only meant to pay off the Dartford Bridge by 2003 but had become “a nice little earner.” He added that hiking tolls by an extra pound was “a bridge too far.”
James Barwise, of the Road Haulage Association, called the rise “regrettable” and said it would increase costs for HGVs and coaches, pushing up prices for consumers.
What’s next?
The Government is pressing ahead with the Lower Thames Crossing, which will connect the A2/M2 in Kent with the A13/M25 in Essex via a 2.6-mile tunnel under the Thames. It would be the UK’s longest road tunnel.
Work has been ongoing since 2009, with more than £800 million already spent on planning. Ministers say the new route will provide much-needed relief to the Dartford Crossing.
