Unlike many European countries, the UK has relatively few toll roads, but the ones that exist are important infrastructure links that drivers need to budget for. Whether you are crossing the River Thames at Dartford, heading over the River Severn into Wales, or using the M6 toll road around Birmingham, knowing what to expect in 2026 will help you avoid unexpected charges and penalties.

The Dartford Crossing

The Dartford Crossing is one of the busiest road links in the UK, carrying over 50,000 vehicles per day across the River Thames between Essex and Kent. In 2026, drivers pay the Dart Charge to use the crossing. Here is how it works:

Dartford Crossing Charges 2026

  • Cars and light vehicles: GBP 2.50 to GBP 3.40 per crossing depending on the payment method
  • Motorcycles: Free
  • Vans and small trucks: GBP 5.70 to GBP 7.10
  • HGVs and large trucks: GBP 10 to GBP 14.70

The charge is reduced by 40 percent for drivers who use the Dartcharge account or auto-pay system. Paying by cash or card at a retail outlet carries a premium. Without payment within 23:59 the day after crossing, a penalty charge notice of up to GBP 105 is issued.

How to Pay the Dartford Charge

Drivers can pay the Dartford charge in several ways:

  • Dartcharge account: Set up a pre-pay account at dartcharge.co.uk for the discounted rate and automatic payment
  • One-off payment: Pay online, by phone or at retail outlets before midnight the following day
  • Auto Pay: link your vehicle registration to a Dartcharge account for automatic billing

Failure to pay results in a Penalty Charge Notice starting at GBP 70, reduced to GBP 35 if paid within 14 days, rising to GBP 105 if unpaid after 28 days. Persistent non-payment can result in county court action.

Severn Crossings

The Severn Bridge and Second Severn Crossing connect England and Wales, carrying the M4 and M48 across the River Severn. These tolls apply to both directions of travel:

Severn Bridge Tolls 2026

  • Cars: GBP 6.70 per crossing
  • Motorcycles: Free
  • Vans: GBP 13.40
  • HGVs: GBP 20.10

Note that the Severn Bridge tolls only apply eastbound into England — driving from Wales to England is free. The tolling is managed by National Highways, and you can pay online at gov.uk/pay-severn-bridge-toll or by phone.

The M6 Toll Road

The M6 toll road runs for 27 miles around the north of Birmingham, providing an alternative route to the congested M6 through Birmingham. Using the M6 toll can significantly reduce journey times during peak hours, but it comes at a cost:

M6 Toll Charges 2026

  • Cars: GBP 6.10 for the full stretch using automatic payment, GBP 7.10 at the booth
  • Motorcycles: GBP 3.70 auto, GBP 4.70 booth
  • Vans and light goods vehicles: GBP 12.60 auto, GBP 15.60 booth
  • HGVs: GBP 24.20 auto, GBP 30.20 booth

The M6 toll is operated by Midlands Expressway, and payment can be made at the toll booths with cash or card, via the M6 Toll app, or through the website. Charges apply in both directions.

Other UK Tolls to Be Aware Of

Beyond the major crossings, several smaller toll roads operate in the UK:

  • Tamar Bridge: Connecting Cornwall and Devon, charges around GBP 2.50 to GBP 7.50 depending on vehicle type
  • Forth Bridges: Currently free, though the Queensferry Crossing replaced the tolls that ended in 2017
  • Tay Bridges: Currently free
  • Various smaller causeways: Some island and coastal routes have toll charges

Toll-Free Travel in 2026

For the vast majority of UK roads, there are no toll charges. Motorways and A-roads operated by National Highways are free to use. Only designated crossings and toll roads incur charges. Using a sat-nav or mapping app that accounts for toll roads can help you plan routes that avoid tolls if cost is a priority.

Exemptions and Concessions

Some drivers qualify for toll exemptions or discounts:

  • Motorcycles: Free at Dartford and Severn crossings
  • Emergency services: Exempt from most UK tolls
  • Low-emission vehicles: Some toll roads offer discounts for ultra-low emission vehicles, though these vary
  • Frequent users: Some operators offer account-based discounts for regular users