Under the revised tariff, the charge for a typical HGV with two axles will rise to £4.20 per crossing, or £3.60 for those using a pre-pay account.
Trucks with more than two axles—such as most articulated lorries—will pay £8.40, or £7.20 with a pre-pay account. The new rates represent the first increase since 2014.
According to the Department for Transport, the changes aim to manage demand on the key Thames crossing, which now carries over 150,000 vehicles daily—well above its original design capacity.
The decision follows confirmation of funding for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC), intended to ease congestion at Dartford. However, with the project still years from completion, Dartford remains the only practical Thames route for HGVs in the South-East.
Reacting to the announcement, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) warned that the hike will place further pressure on operators.
“This adds to running costs at an already financially challenging time for many businesses in our sector,” said RHA Policy Lead James Barwise. He added that “the costs of running a typical 44-tonne HGV (excluding fuel) has risen significantly above inflation.”
The Department noted that despite the increase, the new charges are still well below what they would be if adjusted for inflation since the last full revision in 2014.
Journeys made between 22:00 and 06:00 will remain free, along with crossings by motorcycles and the bicycle pick-up service. Dartford and Thurrock residents will continue to benefit from the annual local discount scheme, with the fee rising slightly to £25 for unlimited crossings.
