How motorway tolls work and who has to pay them

Motorway tolls in the UK are charged on specific routes, not all motorways. The main toll roads are the M6 Toll (between junctions 4 and 12 near Birmingham), the Dartford Crossing (connecting Essex and Kent across the Thames), and the Severn Crossing (now called the Prince of Wales Bridge, between England and Wales). Each has its own operator and payment system, so how you pay depends on which road you use.

You must pay the toll before or after you drive, depending on the road. Some tolls charge you in advance; others let you pay within a set time after you pass through. If you do not pay within the important date, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which starts at £70 but can rise to £130 if you do not respond within 28 days. Vehicles are identified by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), so there is no way to pass through undetected.

Not all vehicles pay the same rate. Cars pay one rate; vans, minibuses, and HGVs pay higher rates. Some vehicles are exempt entirely — emergency vehicles, disabled people's vehicles with a Blue Badge, and certain other categories do not pay. The exact exemptions and rates vary by road operator.

Key Takeaways

  • The M6 Toll, Dartford Crossing, and Severn Crossing each have separate operators and different payment methods, so check which road you are using before you pay.
  • Payment important date vary: some tolls must be paid before you drive, others within 24 hours after, and missing the important date triggers a £70 penalty that rises to £130 if unpaid after 28 days.
  • Your vehicle is identified by automatic number plate recognition, so payment is tracked whether you pay online, by phone, or at a payment point.
  • Disabled people with a Blue Badge, emergency vehicles, and some other categories are exempt from tolls on certain roads.
  • If you drive a hire car or someone else's vehicle, you are still responsible for paying the toll — the registered keeper receives the notice if you do not.

Payment methods for the M6 Toll

The M6 Toll operates between junctions 4 and 12 near Birmingham. You can pay online at the M6 Toll website, by phone on 0121 635 4400, or at payment points including some petrol stations and shops. Online payment must be made before you drive or within 24 hours after. Phone payment has the same important date. If you use a payment point, you must pay before you drive.

You can also set up an account that charges your card automatically each time you use the toll. This is called a pre-payment account. Once set up, you do not have to remember to pay each journey — the system deducts the fare automatically. You can check your account balance and journey history online at any time.

The toll cost depends on your vehicle type and the time of day. Cars pay one rate during peak hours and a lower rate off-peak. Vans and HGVs pay more. Check the M6 Toll website for current rates, as they change periodically.

Payment methods for the Dartford Crossing

The Dartford Crossing connects Essex and Kent across the River Thames. Payment is managed by National Highways and works differently from the M6 Toll. You must pay by midnight the day after you cross, or you will receive a PCN. There is no option to pay at a physical location — all payment is online or by phone.

Pay online at the Dartford Crossing website using a debit or credit card. You will need your vehicle registration number and the date you crossed. By phone, call 0300 123 5000. You can also set up a pre-payment account that automatically charges your card each time you use the crossing.

The toll cost is the same for all cars regardless of time of day. Vans and HGVs pay higher rates. Disabled people with a Blue Badge pay a reduced rate. If you cross regularly, a pre-payment account saves you from having to pay after each journey.

Payment methods for the Severn Crossing (Prince of Wales Bridge)

The Severn Crossing, officially the Prince of Wales Bridge, connects England and Wales. Like the Dartford Crossing, it is operated by National Highways. You must pay by midnight the day after you cross. Payment is online only — there are no payment points or phone lines for this crossing.

Pay at the Severn Crossing website using your vehicle registration number and the date you crossed. You will need a debit or credit card. Set up a pre-payment account if you cross regularly to avoid paying after each journey. Disabled people with a Blue Badge pay a reduced rate.

The toll cost for cars is fixed regardless of time of day. Vans and HGVs pay higher rates. Check the Severn Crossing website for current rates.

What happens if you do not pay on time

If you miss the payment important date, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) by post to the address of the registered keeper. The initial penalty is £70. You have 28 days to pay this amount. If you do not pay within 28 days, the penalty rises to £130.

You can appeal a PCN if you believe it was issued in error — for example, if you paid on time but the system did not record it, or if your vehicle was stolen and used without your knowledge. Each road operator has an appeals process. You must appeal within 28 days of receiving the notice. If your appeal is rejected and you still do not pay, the operator can pursue debt recovery through the courts.

If you are a hire car driver, the hire company will receive the PCN, but you are responsible for paying it under the terms of your hire agreement. Check your hire contract to see what charges explore if you incur a toll penalty.

Pre-payment accounts and discounts

All three toll roads offer pre-payment accounts that charge your card automatically each time you use the toll. This removes the need to remember payment important date and often comes with a small discount on the per-journey toll cost. The discount varies by operator — check each website for current rates.

To set up a pre-payment account, you register your vehicle registration number and payment card details online. The account is linked to your number plate, so the system recognises your vehicle each time you cross and charges you automatically. You can view your account balance, journey history, and receipts online at any time.

If you share a vehicle with someone else or drive different vehicles, you may need separate accounts for each vehicle. Check the operator's website for rules on multi-vehicle accounts.

Exemptions and reduced rates

Disabled people with a valid Blue Badge pay a reduced rate or no toll on some roads. On the Dartford Crossing and Severn Crossing, Blue Badge holders pay a reduced rate. On the M6 Toll, Blue Badge holders are exempt entirely. You must register your Blue Badge with the operator before you can use the exemption or discount.

Emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire engines, police cars) are exempt on all toll roads. Certain other vehicles may also be exempt — check with the specific operator for a full list. Exemptions are identified by ANPR, so you do not need to do anything at the toll point itself.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle qualifies for an exemption or discount, contact the road operator directly. They can confirm your status and explain how to register if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I drive someone else's car and do not pay the toll?

The registered keeper (the person whose name is on the vehicle registration) receives the PCN, not the driver. However, you are responsible for paying the toll under the law. If you do not pay, the registered keeper can pursue you for the cost. Always check whether a toll applies before you drive, and pay it on time.

Can I pay a toll with cash?

No. The M6 Toll accepts payment at some physical locations, but only by card or through an online account. The Dartford Crossing and Severn Crossing are online or phone only. All three roads use automatic number plate recognition, so cash payment is not an option.

Do I have to pay the toll if I only drive partway across?

Yes. On the M6 Toll, you pay based on which junctions you enter and exit. On the Dartford Crossing and Severn Crossing, you pay a single toll for any crossing, regardless of how far you drive. Check the operator's website for the specific charge for your route.

What if the toll system did not recognise my number plate?

If you paid on time but still received a PCN, appeal it when ready. Provide proof of payment (a receipt or bank statement) and explain that the system did not record your payment. Appeal within 28 days of receiving the notice. The operator will investigate and cancel the penalty if they confirm you paid.

How do I know which toll road I am using?

Check your route before you drive. The M6 Toll is clearly signposted near Birmingham. The Dartford Crossing is on the M25 between Essex and Kent. The Severn Crossing is on the M4 between England and Wales. If you are unsure, use a sat-nav or online route planner that shows toll roads.