26.6.2025 | Haulage
Dartford Crossing Charges to Rise from September 2025HGVs face higher tolls as the government moves to ease congestion on the vital freight corridor.
Charges for using the Dartford Crossing will rise from 1 September 2025, with car drivers facing an increase of up to £1 per crossing. The changes, announced by the Department for Transport and Lilian Greenwood MP, aim to manage growing traffic demand and maintain the crossing’s vital role in the UK’s strategic road network.
The revised charges affect all vehicle classes that currently pay to use the crossing. However, significant discounts remain in place for residents and Dart Charge account holders. Additionally, journeys made overnight (between 10 pm and 6 am) will remain free.
New rates from 1 September 2025:
| Class | Vehicles | One-off Payment | Pre-pay Account Holders |
| A | Motorcycles, mopeds, quad bikes | Free | Free |
| B | Cars, small motorhomes, minibuses (≤9 seats) | £3.50 | £2.80 |
| C | Vans, coaches, 2-axle goods vehicles | £4.20 | £3.60 |
| D | Coaches, large vans, HGVs (>2 axles) | £8.40 | £7.20 |
Operators of larger goods vehicles will see charges rise to £8.40 per crossing, or £7.20 for account holders. Residents in Dartford and Thurrock enrolled in the discount scheme will pay just £25 a year for unlimited crossings — a modest increase on the current rate.
Usage of the Dartford Crossing has increased by 7.5% over the past decade, with daily traffic now exceeding 150,000 vehicles, rising to 180,000 on the busiest days. With demand far outstripping design capacity, the Department states that the price rise is necessary to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving, particularly important for freight and logistics operations that rely on the M25 corridor.
Greenwood acknowledged that the increase “will be unwelcome news” but emphasised that the current charging levels are no longer effective in managing demand. She also highlighted yesterday’s funding commitment to the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) — a future relief route expected to ease pressure on the Dartford route, which remains one of the UK’s most essential freight arteries.
There are no changes to the Dart Charge exemption for motorcycles. Bicycles will continue to be carried free of charge via the pick-up service.
