Dartford Crossing Tolls to Rise September 2025
Planned 40% Increase for all vans, trucks and HGVs from September 2025
From September 2025, transport operators using the Dartford Crossing will face steep toll increases, the first increases since 2014. The UK government’s newly announced pricing structure will see charges rise by 40% for vans, trucks and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
For two-axle goods vehicles such as vans and small trucks, tolls will increase from £3.00 to £4.20. Multi-axle vehicles including large trucks and coaches will pay £8.40, up from £6.00. Cars and motorhomes will see a jump from £2.50 to £3.50, while motorcycles remain toll-free.
For logistics companies already trying to cope with driver shortages, fuel price volatility, rising operational costs and environmental compliance pressures, these kinds of added costs only reinforce the need for intelligent route planning tools that can adapt dynamically to road charges.
Read: 8 ways to reduce fleet costs
Smarter Routing to Minimise Toll Costs
Descartes route optimisation software helps mitigate the operational impact of toll hikes by giving businesses full control over route preferences. With built-in road network intelligence, the system allows users to simply toggle toll road usage on or off based on business priorities and provides the ability to do so by vehicle type.
When the "avoid tolls" feature is enabled, the system builds routes that exclude toll roads like the Dartford Crossing, or Blackwall and Silvertone tunnels, ideal for cost-conscious deliveries. The software’s map-based visualisation makes it easy to verify if a route uses toll roads, giving planners the clarity they need to make informed decisions.
Our customers commonly use this feature in tandem with commercial vehicle restrictions to ensure compliance with weight, height, and access limitations, or to avoid ferries. It’s a proactive way to manage costs while maintaining service standards.
As delivery economics tighten, every pound saved on delivery charges can be redirected toward customer satisfaction and business growth. With the right technology, toll increases don’t have to translate into lost margin, they can be a trigger for smarter, more strategic delivery planning.
Contact us to discuss the best ways to improve your delivery routes.
