Drivers charged over £200million in Dartford Crossing tax as millions face extortionate costs
Drivers have to pay £2.50 to use the Dartford Crossing
PA
Drivers have been charged more than £200million in toll fees for using the Dartford Crossing last year as experts warn motorists of other charges they face around the UK.
The “Dart Charge” is a £2.50 fee drivers have to pay for a single journey over the crossing between 6am and 10pm every day, including at weekends and on bank holidays.
According to experts, the toll rakes in £216million per year with around £90million coming from drivers paying via accounts in 2023.
A further £45million comes from those without accounts, but a staggering £73million comes from fines for drivers who fail to pay the charge.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Drivers can be fined up to £70 for failing to pay toll fees
GETTY
Drivers who fail to pay the “Dart Charge” on time are issued a penalty notice and are fined £70 although this can be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. If the motorist fails to pay the change within 28 days, they will be required to pay £105.
Motoring experts at Moneybarn Car Finance, told GB News exclusively: "UK toll roads generate substantial revenue, with the Dartford Crossing and the M6 Toll leading the way.
"The Dartford Crossing, in particular, stands out, collecting over £200 million annually due to its heavy traffic flow and strategic importance, being the only way to cross the Thames from the east of London by road and linking the counties of Essex and Kent. Drivers have to pay £2 each time they cross the bridge between 6:00 and 10:00 pm.
"Our study provides a detailed look into the financial impact of these tolls on motorists, highlighting their contribution to the country's transportation network.”
Meanwhile, the M6 toll ranked second for bringing in the most revenue from driver fees at£107fmillion per year.
The toll was named the most expensive charge in the UK, costing drivers £7 for class two vehicles (cars) to use between the hours of 7am and 7pm.
The toll connects the M6 Junction 3a at the Coleshill Interchange to the M6 Junction 11A at Wolverhampton with 27 miles of six-lane motorway.
Recent research found that drivers pay more than £1,000 a year in commuter costs on the M6 toll in the West Midlands.
The Mersey Gateway in Cheshire, which connects the towns of Runcorn and Widnes, made over £48 million between October 2020 and September 2021 in toll fees.
Similarly, the Humber Bridge in Yorkshire made nearly £22million in charges while Tamar Bridge in Devon brought in £14million.
The Tyne Tunnel raised £24million in toll fees, as drivers face charges of £2.40 per use, although they can be slapped with a sharp fine of £60 if this is not paid.
Its website detailed: “If you’ve failed to pay the required toll by midnight the day after travel, this will result in an Unpaid Toll Charge Notice being automatically issued.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- New rule changes could see e-bikes banned from pavement parking as riders 'make life difficult'
- Drivers demand urgent law changes as furious motorists deface 20mph speed limit signs across Wales
- Driving law changes could see major updates to supermarket car parks introduced amid urgent motorist demands
The M6 toll charges drivers £7 every day
PA
“If Tyne Tunnels doesn’t receive your toll payment before the deadline stated, we will contact the DVLA to request the name and address of the registered keeper of the vehicle. The UTCN will then be issued to the contact provided.”
You may like
