Tolls in Great Britain
The United Kingdom, especially London in England, is a popular destination for tourists from all over Europe. Many travellers therefore drive their own car via France to England through the Eurotunnel. Before travelling, you should find out about the car toll charges that apply.
There is no nationwide toll in Great Britain, but a special charge for the use of tunnels and bridges. Only the motorway section from Birmingham to Wolverhampton is subject to a full toll.
Toll roads
Toll roads in the UK are very rare and well signed to inform drivers in advance. The UK has only one section of motorway, the M6 Toll Road, north of Birmingham. This section is 43 kilometres long and is intended to provide an alternative to the M6 motorway to relieve congestion. The section can be used by all categories of vehicle.
Special tolls
Especially for bridges, tunnels and for travelling in large cities, charges are levied in the United Kingdom:
Bridges
- Dartford Crossing M25
- Dunham Bridge A57
- Humber Bridge A15
- Mersey Gateway Bridge and Jubilee Bridge A533
- Tamar Bridge A38
Tunnels
- Mersey Tunnels A59/A41
- Tyne Tunnels A19
City toll
- London:
The city toll in London is also known as the London Congestion Charge and was introduced in 2003 to reduce traffic in the centre of London and improve air quality. This toll is always valid from Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 12pm to 6pm. It applies to all vehicles except motorcycles.
The charge is £ 15 per day (£ 17.50 per day for people who pay afterwards).
In London, an environmental charge is levied for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in addition to the toll itself. - Durham:
A city charge applies in Durham from Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays) between 10:00 and 16:00. The charge is £ 2 per day and can be paid by phone or at car park shops. Your license plate number will be recorded and checked by a camera system. - Birmingham:
In June 2021, the city of Birmingham introduced a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) to improve air quality in the city centre. Vehicles that do not meet the Euro 6 standard for diesel or Euro 4 standard for petrol vehicles must pay a fee to enter the CAZ zone. The charge is £ 8 per day for cars, vans or light vehicles and £ 50 per day for heavy vehicles that do not meet the emission standards. This regulation applies around the clock. - Bristol:
In the city of Bristol, a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) was also introduced in November 2021 to improve air quality in the city centre. Vehicles that do not meet the Euro 6 standard for diesel or Euro 4 standard for petrol vehicles and contribute to air pollution will be charged a fee to enter the CAZ zone. The charge is £ 9 per day for cars and light vehicles and £ 100 per day for heavy vehicles such as lorries, buses, and campervans. Like in Birmingham, this regulation applies around the clock.
Car transport
You can reach Great Britain within 30 minutes by car train between Calais (France) and Folkestone (England). Current prices for cars, caravans and trailers can be found at: https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/
Toll free motorways
All motorways and national roads in the United Kingdom, except the M6 Toll Road, can be used free of charge.
Vehicle categories of the M6
| Toll category | Description |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Motorcycle |
| Category 2 | Passenger car with 2 axles; < 1.3m at front axle |
| Category 3 | Trailer from 3 axles, < 1.3m at front axle |
| Category 4 | Vehicle with 2 axles; > 1.3m at front axle |
| Category 5 | Vehicles with 3-6 axles; > 1.3m front axle |
Tolls and payment
Toll charges
The toll charges for the M6 Toll Road are calculated based on different vehicle categories and the exit taken.
| Toll category | Price mainline | Price junctions |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | 4.30 £ | 3.00 £ |
| Category 2 | 8.90 £ | 5.80 £ |
| Category 3 | 12.90 £ | 8.70 £ |
| Category 4 | 15.30 £ | 12.30 £ |
| Category 5 | 15.90 £ | 13.20 £ |
There is a special toll for certain bridges and tunnels in Great Britain:
| Car | Trailer | Motorcycle | RV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dartford Bridge (M25) | 2.50 £ | 2.50 £ | 0.00 £ | 2.50 £ |
| Dartford Tunnel (M25) | 2.50 £ | 2.50 £ | 0.00 £ | 2.50 £ |
| Dunham Bridge (A57) | 0.50 £ | 0.50 £ | 0.00 £ | 1.00 £ |
| Humber Bridge (A15) | 1.50 £ | 1.50 £ | 0.00 £ | 1.50 £ |
| Mersey Gateway Bridge & Silver Jubilee Bridge (A533) | 2.00 £ | 2.00 £ | 0.00 £ | 2.00 £ |
| Kingsway Tunnel (A59) | 2.00 £ | 4.00 £ | 0.00 £ | 2.00 £ |
| Queensway Tunnel (A41) | 2.00 £ | 4.00 £ | 0.00 £ | 2.00 £ |
| Tyne Tunnels (A19) | 2.20 £ | 2.20 £ | 0.00 £ | 2.20 £ |
| Tamar Bridge (A38) | 2.60 £ | 5.20 £ | 0.00 £ | 2.60 £ |
Payment
The fee for the M6 Toll Road is paid at toll stations, online or by telephone. The fees for using the tunnels and bridges can be paid on site or up to 7 days in advance of your planned journey.
Does Great Britain have a vignette?
No, the UK does not have a vignette like some other European countries. Instead, the UK has a system of tolls and charges for certain roads, tunnels and bridges.
How is the toll controlled?
The toll in Great Britain is monitored by cameras that automatically record the license plate. Manual monitoring by toll stations and local police is also possible.
Who is exempt from the toll?
The congestion charge in London does not apply to holders of a blue disability card and owners of electric vehicles until the end of 2025. Click here to apply for exemption. Different conditions apply for the ULEZ and LEZ.
Ireland
France