From 1 September 2025, changes are coming to the Dartford Crossing charge – and if you manage a business fleet, this price hike could seriously affect your operating costs. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s changing, why it’s happening, and how you can stay in control with help from Fleet Service GB.
What’s Changing With the Dartford Crossing Charge?
If your vehicles regularly cross between Kent and Essex via the Dartford Crossing (over the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge or through the tunnels), you’ll need to budget for higher charges starting 1 September 2025.
New Dartford Crossing Rates:
| Vehicle Type | One-off Payment | Pre-pay Account |
| Cars | £3.50 | £2.80 |
| Vans/2-axle Goods Vehicles | £4.20 | £3.60 |
| HGVs (3+axles) | £8.40 | £7.20 |
| Motorcycles | Free | Free |
If your drivers use pre-pay Dart Charge accounts, they’ll still benefit from a discount of up to 22%, so it’s worth setting those up if you haven’t already. Read more about the new costs here.
Why the Dartford Charge Is Increasing
The government says the current pricing no longer works to manage demand. With over 180,000 vehicles using the crossing on the busiest days, congestion has become a major issue.
According to Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood, the increase is needed to help manage traffic and delays. The last price rise was in 2014, and even with this change, charges are still lower than if they’d followed inflation.
How This Affects Fleet Operators
If your business relies on crossing the Thames regularly, you’ll be looking at a significant cost increase per vehicle, especially for larger fleets. For example:
- 10 vans crossing daily on a one-off basis? That’s £42/day – a noticeable dent over time.
- 20 HGVs with 3+ axles? That’s £168/day without a pre-pay account.
This means tighter margins, increased need for planning, and the risk of unexpected toll costs if drivers forget to pay.
How FSGB Fleet Management Can Help
At Fleet Service GB, we understand that cost control and operational efficiency are top priorities for fleet managers. Our FSGB Fleet Management service helps you:
Monitor Vehicle Usage and Spending
Track vehicle usage through custom reporting, so you always know where your budget is going.
Help With Pre-pay Dart Charge Accounts
We’ll advise on setting up Dart Charge pre-pay accounts for your drivers to keep costs down and reduce admin stress.
Full Compliance and Fleet Oversight
With our online platform, you can manage everything from vehicle maintenance to driver performance, all in one place.
If you’re worried about how the new Dartford toll will impact your business, we’re here to help you plan ahead and stay ahead.
FAQs About the Dartford Crossing Charge
How much is the Dartford Crossing charge from September 2025?
From 1 September 2025, the standard car toll will rise to £3.50, or £2.80 with a pre-pay account. Charges for vans and HGVs will increase to £4.20 and £8.40, respectively.
Can I avoid the Dart Charge?
Only if your journey happens between 10pm and 6am, or you’re using a motorbike or bicycle. Otherwise, charges apply.
How can I reduce the Dartford toll cost?
Sign up for a Dart Charge pre-pay account to access lower rates. If you live in Dartford or Thurrock, you may qualify for discounted annual passes.
Will there be more toll increases?
Possibly. While this is the first price hike since 2014, future increases are subject to government review.
FAQs About Fleet Service GB
What is Fleet Service GB?
Fleet Service GB is a trusted UK fleet management provider offering smart solutions for businesses of all sizes. We help companies stay compliant, cut costs, and run safer, more efficient fleets.
How can FSGB help my business manage Dartford Crossing charges?
We offer comprehensive fleet management so you can stay on top of toll fees like the Dart Charge without the admin headache.
How do I get started with FSGB?
Easy – just get in touch with our team and we’ll talk you through how we can help streamline your operations and deal with rising road charges like the Dartford toll.
Final Thoughts
The Dartford Crossing charge increase might seem like just another cost, but with the right systems in place, you can manage it efficiently. Fleet Service GB is here to help you navigate these changes and keep your business moving.
Ready to stay ahead of fleet costs?
Contact Fleet Service GB today for a smarter way to manage your vehicles.
