The Dartford Crossing Toll: how to pay the Dart Charge

Consumer Editor

8 minute read|21st Jan 2026

The Dartford Toll Crossing is one of the UK’s most important roads. Each year, more than 180,000 cars use this section of the M25 orbital motorway, with many drivers required to pay the Dart Charge toll to use the crossing.

The Dart Charge is now 100% remote, which means there are no toll booths or barriers to navigate when you use the crossing. However, unless you use the Dartford Crossing during very specific times, you still have to pay the Dart Charge every time you use this section of road.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the Dart Charge, including how to pay for it and what legal problems you could face if you don’t.

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Dartford crossing charge changes 2025

From September 1st 2025, the Dartford Crossing tolls rose by 40%, with car charges increasing from £2.50 to £3.50.

The Government says the hike is to help manage traffic and help the local community.

Other vehicles, including vans, coaches, and lorries, will see similar increases, however, motorcycles will remain exempt from any fees.

Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads at the Department for Transport, said: "Current charging levels are no longer sufficient to achieve their stated aim of managing demand so that the crossing works well for users and local people.

"I am aware that these necessary changes to the charges will be unwelcome news for users of the crossing. However, we will continue to support local people through the local resident discount scheme and I have been determined to keep the nominal fee paid by local people as low as possible, as many rely on the crossing to get around their local area."

This will be the first price rise since 2014.

What is the Dartford Crossing Toll Charge/Dart Charge?

The Dartford Crossing is part of the M25 and consists of two tunnels (carrying northbound traffic) and the Queen Elizabeth II bridge (carrying southbound traffic). There is a 50mph speed limit on the crossing, which connects Dartford in Kent with Thurrock in Essex.

The four lane-bridge was opened in 1991, a few years after the official opening of London’s M25 orbital motorway. Before then, all traffic went through a pair of two-lane tunnels - the first of which opened in 1963, at a cost of around £13 million.

To fund the expense, motorists passing through the tunnel had to pay a toll - originally two shillings and sixpence.

Increased traffic meant another tunnel was opened alongside the original in 1980, by which time 65,000 vehicles were passing through the two tunnels every day.

Until 2014, drivers passing through the crossing (either through a tunnel or over a bridge) had to stop at a toll booth and pay the fee (by this time it was £2 for cars).

With over 100,000 vehicles a day using the crossings, this could result in huge delays - particularly during rush hour and other peak times.

A solution was introduced in 2014 with the introduction of the Dart Charge and the toll booths being abolished, requiring drivers to go online or phone up to pay the toll.

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology is used to police crossings.

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How much is the Dart Charge?

Vehicle	One-off payment	Account holder pre-payment
Cars (including trailers), motorhomes, passenger vans and buses with fewer than nine seats	£3.50	£2.80
Goods vehicles with two axles (including vans and small trucks	£4.20	£3.60
Larger multi-axled goods vehicles	£8.40	£7.20
Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes	Free	Free

You can apply to the Government or local council for a discount if you live in the council boundaries of Dartford or Thurrock. Drivers can pay an annual fee of £25 a year to use the Dartford Crossing as many times as they want, or £12.50 a year for 50 crossings.

Anyone on the £12.50 plan who runs out of crossings can either pay £6.25 for 25 additional crossings or pay another £12.50 to upgrade to the £25 plan and get unlimited crossings.

The fees only apply between 6am and 10pm - if you cross outside of these times then you don’t have to pay.

Do note, however, unlike London’s Congestion Charge, the Dart Charge applies seven days a week, including Christmas Day and other bank holidays.

How do you pay the Dart Charge?

You can pay the Dart Charge in advance or by midnight the day after you use the crossing. Failure to pay the Dart Charge could make you liable for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Ways to pay the Dart Charge

You can pay the Dart Charge with a debit or credit card online at www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge. This can be through a Dart Charge account, where you can pay-as-you-go or pre-pay.
You can pay over the phone by using the Dart Charge hotline on 0300 300 0120 between 8am and 8pm (charges apply)
Pay with cash at a Payzone store
Send advance payment in the post to: Dart Charge Customer Services, PO Box 842 Leeds LS1 9QF

How do you avoid paying the Dart Charge?

The only way to legally avoid payment is to travel over the crossing between the hours of 10pm and 6am, when the Dart Charge doesn’t apply.

Alternatively, if you’re on a long journey using the M25, it might make sense to use the western side of the motorway which avoids the crossing (e.g. if you’re travelling from the M1 to the M20).

This does get congested, though - especially close to Heathrow, where the major M3, M4 and M40 motorways join the M25.

Using the RAC route planner can give you an idea of what to expect during your journey.

If you do go the eastern way, you’ll struggle to find an alternative crossing.

There’s a foot ferry upstream between Tilbury and Gravesend, while heading into London the nearest crossing is the Woolwich ferry (which is free to use and open to cars).

Alternatively, head a little further west and you’ll be able to use the Blackwall tunnel but this is subject to a toll that will cost up to £4 for cars and £6.50 for large vans.

What happens if you don’t pay the Dart Charge?

If you use the Dartford Crossing and don’t pay the Dart Charge, you’ll be liable for a £70 penalty charge sent to the address your vehicle is registered to.

The fine is reduced to £35 if you pay it within 14 days, but increases to £105 if you don’t pay.

You’ll also have to pay the original Dart Toll Charge fee.

If you feel that you’ve been unfairly fined, it is possible to appeal. You can challenge a Dartford Toll penalty by post or online.

Are there any exemptions to the Dart Charge?

Yes - if you don’t have to pay road tax because you’re disabled, you don’t have to pay the Dart Charge either.

If you have a blue badge but still pay road tax, you have to pay for the Dartford crossing too.

Moped, motorbikes, trikes and quad bikes are also exempt.

While cyclists aren’t allowed on the crossing, there are free shuttles for cyclists wanting to cross.

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Dartford Crossing FAQs

Why is the Dart Charge becoming permanent?

The Dart Charge is in place to manage demand rather than pay for infrastructure. The Crossing was designed to handle 135,000 vehicle crossings a day, but currently it is not uncommon for 180,000 vehicles to make the trip.

Is there a toll on the M25?

Strictly speaking there are no tolls on the M25. The Dartford Crossing is part of the orbital route but not a part of the motorway. The Dart Charge applies on the A282 between M25 junctions 31 and 1A.

Can you pay for the Dartford Crossing in advance?

Residents living within the Dartford or Thurrock council areas can apply to the Government or their local council for a discounted rate. Eligible drivers may pay £25 per year for unlimited use of the Dartford Crossing, or £12.50 per year for an allowance of 50 crossings.

Are there any concessions for the Dart Charge?

Dart Charge concessions mainly support Dartford and Thurrock residents, who can apply for discounted rates: £25 per year for unlimited crossings or £12.50 for 50 crossings. Eligible disabled drivers may also receive reduced or waived tolls, depending on the scheme and criteria. Both concessions require advance application and proof of eligibility.

Are the Dartford Crossing cameras always on?

The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at the Dartford Crossing capture images and record vehicle registrations for every journey. Some drivers complain that they have been incorrectly charged or that foreign number plates haven’t been read properly. It’s important not to rely on loopholes in the system and to pay the charge on time and every time.

What happens if you pay the Dart Charge late?

If you fail to pay the Dart Charge by midnight of the following day of your crossing, you will have to pay a fine of £70. This will halve to £35 if you pay it within 14 days but increase to £105 if you don’t pay. You’ll also have to pay the original fee.

What happens if you forget to pay the Dart Charge?

If you forget to pay the Dart Charge before or on the day of crossing you have the option to pay by midnight the day after you cross. After this, you will receive a fine.

Is the Dartford Crossing free at night?

The Dartford Crossing is free of charge between 10pm and 6am. Charges apply every day – including weekends and bank holidays.

Was the Dartford Crossing supposed to be free?

In 1999 the Government announced the Dartford Crossing would be free by the end of 2003. This changed in 2001 when the Government backtracked from the agreement. Fees were increased in 2014 when the Dart Charge system was introduced, despite the original debt being repaid in 2002.

Will the Dartford Crossing be free?

The Government has no plans to make the Dartford Crossing free. Its response to a now-closed petition says: “Government has no plans to remove the road user charge at the Dartford Crossing which exists to manage demand. Without charges, traffic volumes would increase and additional congestion would occur.”

Is the Dartford Crossing free for disabled people?

If you’re driving a vehicle exempt from vehicle tax because you’re disabled, you won’t need to pay the charge. There’s no need to inform anyone about this as the Dart Charge system checks automatically.

If you have a Blue Badge but still pay road tax, you have to pay the Dart Charge.

Who owns the Dartford Crossing?

The Dartford Crossing is owned by the UK Government. National Highways manages the crossing on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Do you pay both ways on the Dartford Crossing?

If you’re travelling on the Dartford Crossing, you may be wondering if you need to pay for both directions of your journey. The answer is yes – you do need to pay for both ways when crossing the Dartford Crossing.

The Dartford Crossing is an important part of the UK’s road network, connecting the M25 in Essex with the M25 in Kent. The crossing consists of two tunnels and a bridge and is used by more than 160,000 vehicles each day.

How do I pay a late Dart Charge?

If you’ve missed the deadline to pay your Dart Charge, don’t worry - there are still ways to settle the bill. The easiest way to pay a late Dart Charge is to do it online. Head over to the Dart Charge website and select ‘Pay a Penalty Charge Notice’. You’ll need to enter the details of the Penalty Charge Notice to proceed and make your payment.
If you’d rather pay in person, you can also do that. Just take your Penalty Charge Notice and payment to any Post Office branch. You can pay with cash or a debit card.
If you’re unable to make a payment at the moment, you can also apply to have your payment plan deferred. Fill out the ‘Request for Payment Plan’ form on the Dart Charge website and your request will be reviewed.
No matter how you choose to pay your late Dart Charge, be sure to do it as soon as possible to avoid further fees and penalties.

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