Toll in Great Britain
Why do you have to pay tolls?
Most countries in Europe charge tolls. There is a so-called toll requirement. But what does this mean? Tolls are charged for the use of many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges. The money raised through tolls is invested, for example, in the road network. This ensures 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
Traffic safety and traffic management: new technologies such as intelligent transport systems or toll gantries
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How is the toll collected?
In the UK, there is no nationwide toll system. Instead, specific toll and fee regulations apply to a certain motorway, bridges and tunnels. To collect the tolls, the vehicle's licence plate is often recorded automatically, so that the fees can be paid online or at a machine.
There is no vignette requirement (as in Austria or Switzerland) in the UK. Furthermore, tolls in the UK are also not calculated based on distance (kilometres driven); instead, a flat fee is charged for using the toll 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, there is also a city toll for certain city centres in the country. There is also the option of using the paid car ferry service in the UK from Calais to Folkestone.
Tolls on the motorway
There is a toll requirement for the M6 motorway (near Birmingham and Walsall). Different regulations apply to vehicles:
Cars: are charged different tolls based on the height at the front axle (up to or over 1.3 m).
Vehicle-trailer combinations: are charged different tolls based on the height at the front axle of the towing vehicle (up to or over 1.3 m) and the number of axles.
Motorhomes: are charged different tolls 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 vehicles allow for a classification 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: vehicle-trailer combinations with three or more axles and a height of under 1.3 m at the front axle
Class 4: vehicles with two axles and a height of 1.3 m or more at the front axle
Class 5: vehicles or vehicle-trailer combinations with three to six axles and a height of 1.3 m or more at the front axle
Paying the tolls
Tolls are paid directly at the toll stations and can only be paid by credit or debit card. You can also rent an electronic transmitter ("tag"), which allows automatic payment of tolls through a prepaid balance. This transmitter is attached to the inside of the windscreen.
Tolls on bridges and tunnels
There is a toll requirement for certain bridges and tunnels. Depending on the route and vehicle category, the amount of the toll may vary.
Vehicle categories
Vehicles are differentiated very simply at most tunnels and bridges. The following vehicle categories apply:
Car
Vehicle-trailer combination
Motorcycle
Motorhome
Paying the tolls
How you have to pay the tolls on the various bridges and tunnels can vary depending on the route. We therefore recommend that you check the official websites before your trip. Below you will find a list of the most well-known toll bridges and tunnels:
Dartford Crossing (M25): The M25 includes two tunnels and a cable-stayed bridge, which together form the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. The Dartford Crossing connects Grays in Essex on the north side with Dartford in Kent on the south side. You can either pay the toll 24 hours in advance or pay by midnight of the following day. Payment can be made online, at a Payzone outlet (with cash) and by phone. Please note, however, that it is not possible to pay on site when using the route. In addition, no spaces or hyphens should be entered when entering the licence plate.
Dunham Bridge (A57): This route crosses the River Trent and connects Newton-on-Trent with Dunham-on-Trent. For further information on prices, please see the official website.
Humber Bridge: For further information on prices, please see 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 either pay the toll 24 hours in advance or pay by midnight of the following day. Payment can be made online, at a Payzone outlet (with cash) and by phone. Please note, however, that it is not possible to pay on site when using the route.
Mersey Tunnels (A59/A41): The Mersey Tunnels include the Queensway Tunnel (A41) and the Kingsway Tunnel (A59). For further information on prices, please see the official website.
Tyne Tunnels (A19): Both of the Tyne Tunnels belong to the A19 and take you from Jarrow to North Shields. You can either pay the toll 24 hours in advance or by midnight of the day of use. Payment can be made online, at a Payzone outlet (with cash) and by phone. Please note, however, that it is not possible to pay on site when using the route, as there are no longer any toll stations there.
Tamar Bridge (A38): This bridge connects Saltash (Cornwall) and Plymouth (Devon). The toll is only charged in one direction. This means you only have to pay a toll for the journey to Plymouth, but not when driving from Plymouth to Saltash. For further information on prices, please see the official website.
In addition to these bridges and tunnels, there are also a number of other toll 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 various zones
In addition to the toll requirement on the M6 motorway, bridges and tunnels, there is a so-called city toll in the UK. This individual city toll means that, for example, you have to pay a congestion charge to enter the centre of London. In addition to the congestion charge, further fees may also apply for certain zones in the various city centres. These include the "Ultra Low Emission Zone" (ULEZ), the "Low Emission Zone" (LEZ), the "Clean Air Zone" (CAZ) and the "Zero Emission Zone" (ZEZ). Depending on the city, different zones may or may not be present. Non-payment of the city toll can result in high fines. In general, however, the city toll exists in the following cities:
London
The congestion charge applies to central London and is charged for all vehicles (except motorcycles) from Monday to Friday (7am-6pm) and on public holidays (12pm-6pm).
The ULEZ covers the Greater London area within the M25 motorway ring and applies daily from midnight to midnight. Owners of all vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (motorhomes between 2.5 and 3.5 t gross vehicle weight) with the following emission standards (petrol vehicles Euro emission class 0-3, diesel vehicles Euro emission class 0-5 and motorcycles Euro emission class 0-2) must pay ULEZ charges.
The LEZ covers the Greater London area within the M25 motorway ring and applies daily from midnight to midnight. Only diesel-powered motorhomes from 2.5 t gross vehicle weight, vans and large vans from 1.205 t unladen weight (e.g. pickups) with a Euro emission class of 0-2 (up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight) or Euro I-V (over 3.5 t) must pay the LEZ charge. Since the regulations in London are very complex and vary depending on the zone, you should find out more about London before your trip and plan your route carefully. Finally, registration is required to drive in the ULEZ and LEZ (depending on the vehicle).
Durham
City toll for all vehicles. The same toll applies to all vehicles, but the toll only has to be paid at certain times (Monday to Sunday, 10am-2am).
Bath and Birmingham
The "Clean Air Zone" (CAZ) in Bath applies only to delivery vehicles and buses. The CAZ also exists not only in Bath but also in Birmingham. In Birmingham, the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) covers the city centre within the A4540 Middleway Ring. The CAZ is subject to tolls there all year round and around the clock, regardless of the time of day. In this zone, you only have to pay tolls if your vehicle does not meet the emission standards. If your vehicle meets the emission standard, driving through the CAZ is free of charge for you.
Bristol
Parts of Bristol city centre are a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). The CAZ is subject to tolls all year round and around the clock, regardless of the time of day. In this zone, you only have to pay tolls if your vehicle does not meet the emission standards. If your vehicle meets the emission standard, driving through the CAZ is free of charge for you.
Oxford
Certain streets in Oxford city centre are located within the Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ). All vehicles (except electric vehicles) must pay a fee from 7am to 7pm.
Important information
The amount of the city toll can vary depending on the city. Often, the weekdays and times determine whether a toll is due. It is also possible that your vehicle may not be subject to the toll under certain conditions (such as due to the emission standard). Since the regulations vary 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 ferry services
Car ferry services are car shuttle trains that can quickly take travellers and their vehicles from A to B, offering an easy way to cover long distances. There is one very well-known car ferry service in the UK: the car shuttle train through the Eurotunnel from Calais to Folkestone. This car ferry service (car shuttle train) runs around the clock all year round. The journey time is 35 minutes in total. To make sure you can use the car shuttle train, you should check in advance whether your van, motorhome or caravan meets the size restrictions. You should also make sure that all luggage outside your vehicle is well secured. Using the car shuttle train is not free. This means you have to pay a fee for the car ferry service.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
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 reach us at any time by email.
FAQ for your trip to Great Britain
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
Is there a nationwide toll obligation in the United Kingdom?
{"faq_question":"Is there a nationwide toll obligation in the United Kingdom?","answer":"
No, there is no nationwide toll system in the United Kingdom as there is in many other European countries. Instead, toll charges only apply on certain motorway sections, bridges and tunnels as well as 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 rate for the entire road network.
How is the toll calculated in the United Kingdom?
The toll is not calculated based on distance according to kilometers driven. Instead, a flat fee is charged for the respective toll-liable route or zone. The amount depends on the route and vehicle class.
Which motorway is subject to tolls in the United Kingdom?
The most well-known toll motorway is the M6 Toll near Birmingham and Walsall. Different rates apply there depending on vehicle height, number of axles, and vehicle type.
How is payment made for the M6 Toll?
Payment is made directly at the toll stations and is only possible by credit or debit card. Alternatively, an electronic transponder ("tag") can be used, which automatically deducts the fees from a prepaid balance.
Which bridges and tunnels are subject to tolls?
Some of the best-known toll routes include the Dartford Crossing (M25), the Humber Bridge, the Mersey Gateway Bridge, the Mersey Tunnels, the Tyne Tunnels, and the Tamar Bridge. Payment methods and deadlines vary depending on the route.
Can I always pay the toll for bridges and tunnels on site?
No. On some routes (such as the Dartford Crossing or the Tyne Tunnels), there are no longer any toll stations on site. Payment must be made online, by phone, or at authorized points of sale, sometimes in advance or by midnight of the following day at the latest.
What is the congestion charge in the United Kingdom?
In addition to individual road sections, there is a city toll in several cities. These include, among others, 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 certain inner-city areas.
What special rules apply in London?
In London there are various zones for which toll charges are levied. The Congestion Charge applies to the city centre at certain times. In addition, ULEZ and LEZ emission-based regulations apply across Greater London. Depending on the vehicle type, weight and emissions standard, registration may be required.
"}Do all vehicle owners have to pay city toll fees in the cities?
No, the regulations differ depending on the city. While Durham applies 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 the toll can result in high fines. Especially with automatic license plate recognition, a subsequent payment request is possible. Therefore, you should inform yourself about payment deadlines and options before starting your trip.
Is there a car shuttle service between France and the United Kingdom?
Yes, the Eurotunnel connects Calais (France) with Folkestone (United Kingdom). The car train runs year-round around the clock, and the crossing takes about 35 minutes. A fee applies for its use, and certain size restrictions apply to vehicles.
Where can I find current information on prices and regulations?
Since fees, times, and environmental zones can change, it is advisable to check the official websites of the respective operators or cities before starting your trip. This way, you can avoid additional costs or penalties.
