These Are The UK's Most Expensive Toll Roads - The Taxi Centre
If you drive for a living, it's good to be aware of the costliest routes for traveling. These are the toll roads with the highest charges you need to know about.
Even if you rarely travel along toll roads, it’s important to be aware of the charges in case one day you are required to pass through one.
Toll roads are a lot more costly than you would think, especially as some people use them every day in their commute.
Read on to discover the most expensive toll roads in the UK.
Table of Contents
1. The London Congestion Charge
4. Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee Bridge
1. The London Congestion Charge
The London Congestion Charge has the most expensive charges in place of all the areas in the UK. This is no surprise considering the level of traffic and pollution in the bustling capital.
Drivers face a whopping £15 daily charge for driving within the zone. The charges apply between 7:00-18:00 from Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on bank holidays.
Between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, however, there are no charges.
The Transport for London (TfL) recommends Auto Pay as the easiest way to pay for charges. There are some exemptions and discounts available, though eligibility criteria may apply.
In addition to this, you may also have to pay Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges if your vehicle does not comply with emissions standards.
You can register for an account to make payments easier if you frequently travel through the zone.
2. The M6 Toll
This toll will be painfully familiar for those in the West Midlands, with around 18,200,000 journeys made through it a year according to Go Compare.
The vehicles are charged different rates depending on their size, which side of the toll they pass through, and the time of day or week. Charges are up to £8.20 for regular taxis, and for a passenger van, this goes up to a pricey £12.10.
Be prepared for your visit by checking prices ahead of your travels. You can also save time and money during your journey and sign up for an M6 toll pass.
3. Dartford Crossing
Dartford Crossing comes in third costing each car £2.50 each way.
Charges are in operation between 6:00-22:00 every day including weekends and bank holidays, though the amount you’ll be charged will vary depending on your vehicle and whether you have an account set up.
For motorcycles, mopeds, and quad bikes (Class A vehicles) it is free to travel over the crossing, though for Class B vehicles such as cars, motorhomes and minibuses it’s £2.50, reduced to £2.00 if you have an account.
Vans, buses, and coaches have to pay even more, with two-axle vehicles charged £3.00 as a one-off payment, or £2.63 with an account. While those with more than two axles will be charged £6.00, reduced to £5.19 with a registered account.
It’s important to note that these charges must be paid by midnight the day after you cross. If you don’t pay the charges by the deadline, you will receive a £70 fine which must be paid within 28 days.
Read more about charges and fines, and plan ahead by setting up a Dartford crossing account.
4. Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee Bridge
The Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee bridges currently operate a £2.00 charge for each car that passes through.
Merseyflow is the operator used to pay charges, and also requires any charges to be paid by midnight the day after you cross in order to avoid a fine.
Charges are one-way and apply on your way back, and you can register for an account to make things easier if you plan on crossing the bridges regularly.
There are different plans available depending on your needs, including a pre-pay plan, Local User Discount Scheme (LUDS), and a Blue Badge plan for disabled motorists.
5. Tamar Bridge
The Tamar Bridge also operates a £2.00 toll each way for cars travelling from Saltash (Cornwall) to Plymouth (Devon).
Again, charges will vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive, and you can view a full list of prices ahead of your visit so you know what to expect.
6. Mersey Tunnels
Liverpool’s Mersey Tunnels currently charge cars £1.80 each way for passing through, and see over 65,000 vehicles making the journey every day.
The tunnels use a system called T-FLOW which reads your vehicle’s registration as you pass through. This means that if you have an account with Mersey Tunnels, you won’t need to stop and pay.
To learn more about the Mersey Tunnel tolls, visit their website, or register for an account to start planning your journeys.
The Mersey Tunnels have been featured in several famous films including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Fast & Furious 6.
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