Dartford Crossing Charges Set to Skyrocket by 40% on September 1

Construction and logistics firms operating in and around London are bracing for a significant increase in operational costs as the Dartford Crossing charges are set to rise by a staggering 40% from September 1, 2025. Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood announced the hike in a statement to Parliament, citing the urgent need to manage demand on the heavily congested M25 link between Essex and Kent.

The standard charge for cars will jump from £2.50 to £3.50, a £1 increase per journey. However, the impact on the construction sector will be even more pronounced, with charges for commercial vehicles also seeing substantial rises. Buses, coaches, vans, and other two-axle goods vehicles will now pay up to £4.20, while vehicles with more than two axles will be charged an eye-watering £8.40.

This marks the first increase in Dartford Crossing charges since 2014. Minister Greenwood justified the decision by stating that 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." She also highlighted that the need for increased charges underscores the necessity for the additional capacity that the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) will provide, for which the government recently confirmed new funding.

The Dartford Crossing is a vital artery for the movement of materials, machinery and personnel, connecting key construction sites across the South East. The inevitable rise in transportation costs will undoubtedly be passed on, potentially impacting project budgets and timelines. Hauliers have already voiced concerns, fearing the toll this price increase will take on their businesses and, by extension, the wider construction supply chain.

Under the original agreement, tolling on the Dartford Crossing was meant to cease once it had paid for itself, a point reached almost 15 years ago. The government's decision in 2001 to backtrack on its 1999 promise to make the crossing free by the end of 2003 had previously caused widespread outrage. Now, the further escalation of charges is reigniting frustration among motorists and businesses alike.

While journeys made between 10pm and 6am will remain free, and motorcycles and the bicycle pick-up service will continue to enjoy free trips, the overwhelming majority of daily movements for construction logistics fall within the charging hours. Local residents of Dartford and Thurrock, who rely heavily on the crossing for daily commutes, will still benefit from a discount scheme, with their annual fee increasing from £20 to £25 for unlimited crossings from September 1, 2025.

However, for the countless construction vehicles that traverse the Dartford Crossing daily, this 40% price hike represents a significant new financial burden, threatening to add another layer of complexity to an already demanding industry. The London construction sector will be closely monitoring the implications of this change as the September deadline approaches.