Dartford Crossing HGV Charges to Rise from 1 September

From 1 September 2025, HGV operators will need to budget a little extra for their Dartford Crossing runs. The government has announced a rise in charges for all vehicles, aiming to curb congestion and better manage the heavy traffic on this overworked stretch of road.

Crossing away!!!

Under the new rates, a standard two-axle HGV will pay £4.20 per crossing—or £3.60 if you're using a pre-pay account (a small win for the organised among us). Articulated lorries and other multi-axle giants will face a steeper charge: £8.40 per trip, or £7.20 with pre-pay.

This marks the first price hike since 2014, and the Department for Transport says it’s long overdue. With over 150,000 vehicles crossing daily—well above what the crossing was designed for—the increase is intended to help keep traffic flowing until the long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing becomes a reality (eventually).

The Road Haulage Association isn’t thrilled. “This adds to running costs at an already financially challenging time,” said RHA’s James Barwise, noting that the cost of running a 44-tonner (minus fuel) has soared beyond inflation.

On the bright side, overnight crossings (10pm–6am) remain free, as do those made by motorcycles and bicycles (via the pickup service). Locals in Dartford and Thurrock can still access unlimited crossings for a slightly increased £25 per year.

It is important to note that the Humber Bridge are also changing their prices, Under the new pricing structure, existing and new account customers will pay £1.50 to cross in a car, vans will be charged at £4.00 and HGVs at £12. No exact date for the change has been set, but it will coincide with the launch of the new tolling system, called Humber Bridge Toll, which is expected to go live by late autumn.

For non-account customers, the toll fee will be £2.00 for cars, £5.00 for vans and £15.00 for HGVs.

So, while the crossing might not be getting any wider yet, at least your transport budget should.