Drivers using the Dartford Crossing will now pay more to cross the Thames, with a new price hike coming into effect today.
Commuters travelling on the A282 will now have to pay out £1 more each time they use the crossing, as the standard toll for cars has risen from £2.50 to £3.50.
The increase, which affects the M25 crossing between Essex and Kent, was announced by Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood, who said the change is necessary to manage soaring demand.
The route is the UK's busiest crossing, seeing an average of 150,000 vehicles a day, though it was only built for 135,000.
On some days, traffic reaches 180,000 and delays are common.
Ms Greenwood told Parliament that 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 price increase also affects other vehicle types. The new charges are:
- £4.20 for buses, coaches, and vans, up from £3.
- £8.40 for lorries and large vehicles with more than two axles, up from £6.
In addition to the vehicle tolls, the resident discount scheme is also increasing from £20 to £25 a year.
The fee, which is paid by motorists driving through the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge or the northbound tunnels, is used to maintain the bridge.
Despite the changes, some exemptions remain in place. The crossing will continue to be free for all vehicles between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and for motorcycles, mopeds, and quad bikes at all times.
People who are exempt from vehicle tax because of a disability do not need to pay the Dart Charge. Drivers who fail to pay the charge by midnight the day after their crossing will receive a £70 fine.
