The Government has announced that Dartford Crossing toll charges will increase from 1st September 2025, marking the first significant change to the Dart Charge pricing structure in several years. This increase affects millions of UK drivers who regularly use this vital Thames crossing, with the Government stating that current charge levels are no longer sustainable.
From 1 September 2025, car drivers will face a maximum increase of £1 per crossing, with the exact new pricing structure representing significant cost increases across all payment methods.
Cars (Class B vehicles):
Local Residents (Dartford/Thurrock):
Commercial Vehicles:While exact figures haven't been confirmed, 2-axle vehicles currently paying £3.00 (one-off) and larger vehicles paying £6.00 are expected to see proportional increases.
The £1 maximum increase for cars represents a 40% price rise for standard account holders and a 50% increase for pre-pay account users - the most significant toll increase since the Dart Charge system was introduced.
Drivers who live in Dartford or Thurrock and who have signed up to the scheme will pay £25 for unlimited annual crossings from 1 September 2025, up from the current £20 annual fee. This still represents exceptional value for local residents who use the crossing regularly.
The Government says the current Dart Charge price levels are no longer fit for purpose. The decision comes as the crossing handles significantly more traffic than its original design capacity. The Dartford Crossing was designed for 135,000 vehicle crossings daily, but regularly sees over 160,000 vehicles making the journey.
The toll increase is part of the Government's broader strategy to manage traffic flow and fund the ongoing maintenance and operation of this critical infrastructure. The Dartford Crossing remains the only fixed road crossing of the River Thames east of London, making it an essential link for commercial and private traffic.
Despite the price increase, several key aspects of the Dart Charge system will remain the same:
Free overnight crossings between 10pm and 6am will continue, providing cost relief for shift workers and those travelling during off-peak hours.
Motorcycle exemptions remain in place, with bikes continuing to cross free of charge.
Account holder benefits will still apply, with registered users receiving better rates than pay-as-you-go customers.
Penalty charges for non-payment remain at £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.
If you haven't already, establishing a Dart Charge account before September offers several advantages:
For occasional users, it may be worth exploring alternative Thames crossings, particularly when the new £3.50 one-off payment rate comes into effect. However, for regular commuters, the Dartford Crossing often remains the most practical option despite the 40-50% price increase.
Regular users should factor the additional costs into their monthly budgets. For daily commuters making two crossings per day with a pre-pay account, the £1 increase per crossing will add approximately £44 extra per month to travel expenses (based on 22 working days).
The toll increase will particularly affect:
Daily commuters who rely on the crossing for work will face substantial cost increases. A daily commuter making two crossings per day with a pre-pay account will see costs rise from £4.00 to £6.00 daily (£2.00 increase), adding over £500 annually to their travel expenses.
Commercial vehicles and haulage companies may face even steeper increases, as the Government typically applies higher rates to larger vehicles.
Local businesses in Kent and Essex that depend on the crossing for deliveries and customer access.
Tourism and leisure travel between the north and south sides of the Thames.
The Dartford Crossing, comprising the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the Dartford Tunnels, handles over 50 million crossings annually. It's a critical component of the M25 orbital motorway and serves as a major gateway for freight traffic heading to and from European ports.
The crossing's strategic importance cannot be overstated – it's the primary route for traffic between Kent and Essex, supporting everything from daily commutes to international trade. The toll charges help fund ongoing maintenance, traffic management systems, and operational costs.
The penalty system remains unchanged despite the toll increase. Drivers who fail to pay the Dart Charge by midnight the day after crossing will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70. This is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days, but increases to £105 if ignored.
To avoid penalties:
This September 2025 increase represents the Government's acknowledgment that infrastructure costs are rising and that user charges must reflect the true cost of operating such critical transport links. Future increases are likely as traffic volumes continue to grow and maintenance requirements increase.
The Government has indicated that this pricing adjustment will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the Dart Charge system whilst maintaining the crossing's role as a vital piece of UK transport infrastructure.
The Dartford Crossing toll increase reflects the growing pressures on UK transport infrastructure and the need for sustainable funding models. Whilst the additional cost will impact household and business budgets, the crossing remains an essential link that millions of drivers depend on daily. By understanding the changes and preparing accordingly, drivers can minimise the impact of these increased charges whilst continuing to benefit from this vital Thames crossing.
