Toll in Great Britain
Why do you have to pay toll fees?
Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll obligation. But what does that mean? For using many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges, so-called toll fees are charged. The money collected through tolls is, for example, invested in the road network. This enables you to enjoy a smooth journey on your way to your holiday. The primary areas for investment are infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, as well as environmental protection measures.
Infrastructure: construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Road safety and traffic management: new technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll bridges
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How are toll fees collected?
In Great Britain, there is no nationwide toll system. Instead, specific toll and fee regulations apply to a particular motorway, as well as bridges and tunnels. To collect toll fees, the vehicle’s number plate is often recorded automatically, so the fees can be paid online or at a machine.
A vignette requirement (as in Austria or Switzerland) does not exist in Great Britain. In addition, tolls in Great Britain are not calculated based on distance (kilometres driven); instead, a flat fee is charged for using the tolled roads. The amount of the toll on motorway sections, tunnels and bridges varies depending on the route and vehicle class. In addition to these routes, certain city centres also have a city toll. There is also the option of using the paid car shuttle through the Eurotunnel from Calais to Folkestone.
Tolls on the motorway
There is a toll obligation for the M6 motorway (near Birmingham and Warsall). Different regulations apply to motor vehicles:
Cars: are charged different tolls based on the height at the front axle (up to or over 1.3 m).
Car and trailer combinations: are charged based on the height at the towing vehicle’s front axle (up to or over 1.3 m) and the number of axles.
Motorhomes: are charged based on the height at the front axle (up to or over 1.3 m) and the number of axles.
Vehicle classes for the M6 motorway
The regulations for motor vehicles allow them to be divided into vehicle classes for the M6 motorway:
Class 1: motorcycles
Class 2: cars with two axles and a height of under 1.3 m at the front axle
Class 3: combinations with three or more axles and a height of under 1.3 m at the front axle
Class 4: motor vehicles with two axles and a height of 1.3 m or more at the front axle
Class 5: motor vehicles or combinations with three to six axles and a height of 1.3 m or more at the front axle
Paying the toll fees
Toll fees are paid directly at the toll booths and are only possible with a credit or debit card. You can also rent an electronic transmitter (“Tag”), which allows toll fees to be charged automatically via a prepaid balance. This transmitter is attached to the inside of the windscreen.
Tolls on bridges and in tunnels
There is a toll obligation for certain bridges and tunnels. Depending on the route and vehicle category, the amount of the toll fee may vary.
Vehicle categories
For most tunnels and bridges, vehicle differentiation is very straightforward. The following vehicle categories apply:
Car
Car and trailer combination
Motorcycle
Motorhome (camper van)
Paying the toll fees
How you have to pay the toll fees on the various bridges and tunnels can vary depending on the route. We therefore recommend checking the official websites before your trip. Below you will find a list of the best-known tolled bridges and tunnels:
Dartford Crossing (M25): The M25 includes two tunnels and a cable-stayed bridge, which together form the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Dartford Crossing connects Grays in Essex on the north side with Dartford in Kent on the south side. You can pay the toll either 24 hours in advance or by 24:00 on the following day. Payment can be made online, at a Payzone outlet (with cash), or by phone. Please note that payment on site while driving through is not possible. Also, when entering the number plate, no spaces or hyphens should be used.
Dunham Bridge (A57): This route crosses the River Trent and connects Newton-on-Trent with Dunham-on-Trent. Further information on prices can be found on the official website.
Humber Bridge: Further information on prices can be found on the official website.
Mersey Gateway Bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge (A533): These two bridges span the River Mersey and take you from Widnes to Runcorn. You can pay the toll either 24 hours in advance or by 24:00 on the following day. Payment can be made online, at a Payzone outlet (with cash), or by phone. Please note that payment on site while driving through is not possible.
Mersey Tunnels (A59/A41): The Mersey Tunnels include the Queensway Tunnel (A41) and the Kingsway Tunnel (A59). Further information on prices can be found on the official website.
Tyne Tunnels (A19): Both Tyne Tunnels are part of the A19 and take you from Jarrow to North Shields. You can pay the toll either 24 hours in advance or by midnight on the day of use. Payment can be made online, at a Payzone outlet (with cash), or by phone. Please note that payment on site while driving through is not possible, as there are no longer any toll booths there.
Tamar Bridge (A38): This bridge connects Saltash (Cornwall) and Plymouth (Devon). Toll fees are charged in one direction only. This means you only have to pay a toll fee for the trip to Plymouth, but not when travelling from Plymouth to Saltash. Further information on prices can be found on the official website.
In addition to these bridges and tunnels, there are many more tolled tunnels and bridges. These routes are often privately operated and the fees are very low:
Aldwark Bridge in Aldwark, North Yorkshire
Batheaston Bridge in Bath, Somerset
Cartford Bridge in Preston, Lancashire
Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Itchen Bridge in Southampton, Hampshire
Kingsland Bridge in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Penmaenpool Toll Bridge, Merionethshire
Swinford Bridge in Swinford, Oxfordshire
Warburton Bridge in Warburton, Greater Manchester
Whitchurch Bridge in Pangbourne, Berkshire
Whitney-On-Wye-Bridge in Whitney-On-Wye, Hereford
City toll and the different zones
In addition to tolls on the M6 motorway, bridges and tunnels, Great Britain also has a so-called city toll. This individual city charge means, for example, that you have to pay a congestion charge (“Congestion Charge”) to enter central London. In addition to the congestion charge, further fees may apply for certain zones in various city centres. These include the “Ultra Low Emisson Zone” (ULEZ), the “Low Emission Zone” (LEZ), “Clean Air Zone” (CAZ) and the “Zero Emission Zone” (ZEZ). Depending on the city, different zones may exist or not exist. Failure to pay the city toll can result in high fines. In general, city tolls exist in the following cities:
London
The congestion charge applies to central London and is valid for all motor vehicles (except motorcycles) from Monday to Friday (7:00–18:00) and on public holidays (12:00–18:00).
The ULEZ covers Greater London within the M25 motorway ring and applies daily from 00:00 to 24:00. ULEZ charges must be paid by owners of all motor vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW (motorhomes between 2.5 and 3.5 t GVW) with the following emission standards (petrol vehicles Euro emissions class 0–3, diesel vehicles Euro emissions class 0–5, and motorcycles Euro emissions class 0–2).
The LEZ covers Greater London within the M25 motorway ring and applies daily from 00:00 to 24:00. The LEZ applies only to diesel-powered motorhomes from 2.5 t GVW, vans and large transporters from 1.205 t unladen weight (e.g. pick-ups) with a Euro emissions class 0–2 (up to 3.5 t GVW) or Euro I–V (over 3.5 t). As the regulations in London are very varied and differ depending on the zone, you should find out more about London before your trip and plan your route carefully. After all, driving in the ULEZ and LEZ may require registration (depending on the vehicle).
Durham
City toll for all motor vehicles. The same toll fee applies to all vehicles, but the toll only has to be paid at certain times (Monday to Sunday, 10:00–02:00).
Bath and Birmingham
The “Clean Air Zone” (CAZ) in Bath applies only to delivery vehicles and buses. In addition, the CAZ exists not only in Bath, but also in Birmingham. The Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in Birmingham covers the city centre within the A4540 Middleway Ring. The CAZ is tolled all year round and 24/7, regardless of the time of day. In this zone, you only have to pay toll charges if your vehicle does not meet the emissions standards. If your vehicle meets the standard, driving in the CAZ is free of charge.
Bristol
Parts of Bristol city centre are a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). The CAZ is tolled all year round and 24/7, regardless of the time of day. In this zone, you only have to pay toll charges if your vehicle does not meet the emissions standards. If your vehicle meets the standard, driving in the CAZ is free of charge.
Oxford
Certain streets in Oxford city centre are within the Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ). All vehicles (except electric vehicles) must pay a fee from 7:00 to 19:00.
Important notes
The amount of city toll charges can vary depending on the city. Often, the days of the week and times determine whether a toll fee is due. It may also be that your vehicle is exempt from the toll obligation under certain conditions (for example due to the emissions standard). As the regulations differ greatly depending on the city and zone, we recommend checking the official websites of the respective operators/cities and, if necessary, paying in advance to avoid additional costs and penalties.
Car shuttles
Car shuttles are car trains that can quickly take travellers and their vehicle from A to B and offer an easy way to cover long distances. In Great Britain, there is a very well-known car shuttle: the Eurotunnel car shuttle from Calais to Folkestone. This car shuttle runs all year round, 24/7. The journey time is a total of 35 minutes. To make sure you can use the car shuttle, you should check in advance whether your van, motorhome or caravan complies with the size restrictions. You should also ensure that all luggage items outside your vehicle are properly secured. Using the car shuttle is not free of charge. Therefore, you must pay a fee for the car shuttle.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!
We wish you a safe journey and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time by email.
FAQ for your trip to Great Britain
Is there a nationwide toll system in Great Britain?
No, Great Britain does not have a nationwide toll system like many other European countries. Instead, toll fees apply only on certain motorway sections, bridges and tunnels and in some city centres.
Do I need a vignette for Great Britain?
No, there is no vignette requirement in Great Britain. Fees are charged only for individual routes or zones and not as a flat fee for the entire road network.
How are tolls calculated in Great Britain?
Tolls are not calculated based on distance (kilometres driven). Instead, a flat fee for the respective tolled route or zone is charged. The amount depends on the route and the vehicle class.
Which motorway is subject to tolls in Great Britain?
The best-known tolled motorway is the M6 Toll near Birmingham and Walsall. Different tariffs apply depending on vehicle height, number of axles and vehicle type.
How do I pay the M6 Toll?
Payment is made directly at the toll booths and is only possible with a credit or debit card. Alternatively, an electronic transmitter (“Tag”) can be used, which automatically charges the fees via a prepaid balance.
Which bridges and tunnels are tolled?
Some of the best-known tolled routes include Dartford Crossing (M25), Humber Bridge, Mersey Gateway Bridge, Mersey Tunnels, Tyne Tunnels and Tamar Bridge. Depending on the route, payment methods and deadlines differ.
Can I always pay bridge and tunnel tolls on site?
No. On some routes (such as Dartford Crossing or the Tyne Tunnels), there are no longer any toll booths on site. Payment must be made online, by phone or at authorised sales outlets, sometimes in advance or no later than midnight the following day.
What is the city toll in Great Britain?
In addition to individual road sections, several cities have a city toll. These include the London Congestion Charge, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and the Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ). These charges usually apply to specific inner-city areas.
What special rules apply in London?
In London, there are different areas where toll fees apply. The Congestion Charge affects the city centre at certain times. In addition, ULEZ and LEZ apply emissions-based rules in Greater London. Depending on vehicle type, weight and emissions standard, registration may be required.
Do all vehicle owners have to pay city toll charges in cities?
No, the rules vary by city. While Durham has a time-dependent city toll for all vehicles, Clean Air Zones in cities such as Birmingham or Bristol only affect vehicles that do not meet certain emissions standards.
What happens if I don’t pay the toll?
Failure to pay tolls can result in high fines. Especially with automatic number plate recognition, a payment request may be issued afterwards. Therefore, you should inform yourself about payment deadlines and options before you travel.
Is there a car shuttle between France and Great Britain?
Yes, the Eurotunnel connects Calais (France) with Folkestone (Great Britain). The car shuttle runs all year round, 24/7, and the crossing takes about 35 minutes. A fee applies, and certain size restrictions apply to vehicles.
Where can I find up-to-date information on prices and regulations?
As fees, times and environmental zones can change, it is recommended to check the official websites of the respective operators or cities before you travel. This way you can avoid additional costs or penalties.
