Kent Council Leader Demands Share of £46m Dartford Crossing Toll Surge

Kent County Council leader Cllr Linden Kemkaran has reignited calls for a share of the government’s anticipated £46 million revenue boost from the upcoming Dartford Crossing toll hike—branding the windfall “astonishing and shocking”.

From 1 September, charges for using the Dartford Crossing—whether via the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge or the tunnels—will rise from £2.50 to £3.50. Prepay account holders will receive a 70p discount, softening the increase, but the hike is still expected to generate between £36 million and £46 million in additional gross revenue during its first year.

The figures were disclosed following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Highways magazine to the Department for Transport (DfT). Cllr Kemkaran expressed outrage at the scale of the surplus and criticised the continued imposition of tolls, despite earlier promises they would be scrapped once the crossing’s construction costs were recouped.

“These massive profits will simply bolster the government’s coffers. This is effectively another tax on hard-working people who rely on the crossing with no reasonable alternative,” she said.

In her recent letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Cllr Kemkaran argued that the crossing is an unavoidable route for motorists travelling from Kent to the Midlands and North, significantly impacting both local and national economies.

According to the Dartford Crossing’s 2023–24 accounts, the infrastructure generated £221.6 million in receipts, against operating costs of £134.9 million—resulting in a net profit of £86.7 million, before the forthcoming toll rise.

Kemkaran, who leads the Reform UK group on Kent County Council, reiterated her demand for the county to receive a portion of the new income stream to support local road maintenance and improvements.

Meanwhile, the DfT justified the price hike as essential for managing congestion and maintaining operational efficiency at the crossing. A department spokesperson noted that the increase underscores the necessity of delivering additional capacity through the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC), a planned £590 million investment designed to ease pressure on existing infrastructure.

“The increased charges aim to secure the effective operation of the Dartford Crossing. They reflect the urgent need for the LTC, which will alleviate traffic and support long-term regional connectivity,” said a DfT representative.

Roads Minister Lillian Greenwood echoed these sentiments in a June Commons statement, acknowledging that the existing charging levels are no longer effective in regulating demand. She confirmed that fresh government funding has been allocated to support the delivery of the LTC as part of a broader 10-year infrastructure plan.

The department’s revenue projections are based on long-term traffic modelling covering the 2016–2033 period and incorporate the Retail Price Index (RPI). However, the DfT admitted these figures carry “limitations” and should be interpreted with caution, noting that evolving traffic patterns may ultimately have a more significant impact on actual income.

What is happening at the Dartford Crossing

The Dartford Crossing has seen a sharp rise in toll revenue following sustained high traffic volumes on the M25 and changes to payment enforcement through Dart Charge. The route remains one of the busiest river crossings in the country, carrying commuter, freight, and long distance traffic between Kent and Essex every day.

Kent Council says the growth in income should be shared locally to support road maintenance, congestion management, and transport schemes near the crossing. Ministers and National Highways control toll policy, so any redistribution of revenue would require agreement at central government level. Officials have not yet confirmed whether a formal review of toll income allocation will take place, but discussions between local and national bodies are ongoing. https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/dart-charge

Impact on drivers and freight operators

For regular users, toll levels at the Dartford Crossing remain a major cost factor, particularly for HGV operators, taxi firms, and commuters travelling across the Thames each weekday. Industry groups have warned that repeated price pressure and congestion can affect delivery schedules and operating margins for logistics firms.

Local businesses have also raised concerns about reliability during peak hours, with queues on the approaches to the tunnels and bridge still common during incidents or roadworks. Any future change to toll policy, discounts, or revenue use will be watched closely by road users and councils on both sides of the river.

How much is the Dartford Crossing toll now
As of the latest update, toll charges at the Dartford Crossing vary by vehicle type. Cars and light vehicles typically pay around £3.50 per crossing. Larger vehicles such as HGVs and coaches are charged higher rates based on size and axle count, with commercial operators often paying £10 to £15 per crossing. Charges are collected electronically through Dart Charge rather than at booths, and accounts or pre-paid passes may affect the exact cost.

Why has Dartford Crossing revenue increased
Revenue at the Dartford Crossing has risen due to a combination of sustained high traffic volumes and improved toll enforcement. More vehicles, especially freight and commuter traffic, are using the crossing daily, which increases total takings. At the same time, tighter compliance and effective electronic toll collection through Dart Charge have reduced missed payments, boosting recorded income.

Who controls toll pricing at the Dartford Crossing
Toll pricing at the Dartford Crossing is set by the UK government, with oversight by the Department for Transport and implementation by the Dart Charge operator. National Highways manages the road network and maintains the crossing infrastructure, but pricing policy and any changes to toll levels are determined by government ministers based on policy, traffic forecasts, and revenue requirements.

Could toll policy change again
Yes, toll policy at the Dartford Crossing could change in future. Toll rates are reviewed periodically, and political pressure from local authorities, industry groups, or national transport strategies could influence future decisions. Any formal review would require consultation and approval by the Department for Transport, taking into account traffic demand, economic conditions, and infrastructure funding needs.