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As unpopular as they are inevitable, anyone who’s used to driving long distances around the country is sure to have encountered one of the UK’s 23 toll roads during their travels. Factor in having to hand over a chunk of change just to get from A to B, and it’s easy to see why passing through a toll is no motorist’s idea of fun.
Even if racking up the miles isn’t something you’d typically do, you’re bound to come across one sooner or later. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on all-things toll road.
From what they are, where to find them, how much they cost – and most importantly – whether you can avoid them, this handy resource is here to help.
A toll road is a public road that requires motorists to pay a fee to use them. Whether it’s a road, a bridge or through a particular area, you can’t pass unless you pay for the privilege.
If the existence of toll roads seems like a bit of a head scratcher to you, then you’re probably not alone. But there’s a good reason for having to pay to use such roads.
The fees motorists are charged actually go towards road maintenance costs, and also help fund construction work and road improvements too. Toll roads can also help ease congestion in busy areas, giving drivers the option to pay to travel on routes which are generally much quieter.
Although toll roads were previously found throughout the UK, Scotland completely removed its tolls in 2008, while Northern Ireland is also toll-free too. Wales, meanwhile, removed its tolls from Cleddau Bridge and the Severn bridges.
It doesn’t look like England is following suit anytime soon unfortunately. As well as maintaining many of its tolls, it’s also started charging a toll on the Silver Jubilee which, prior to re-opening in 2020, was actually not a toll road.
We’ve listed the UK’s toll roads and how much they cost, below.
Where is it?
Built to take traffic away from Birmingham, the 27-mile northern relief road connects Junction 3A of the regular M6 at Coleshill with Junction 11A at Wolverhampton.
How much does it cost?
The price of using the M6 toll depends on the car you’re driving, where you’re travelling and how much of the road you use. The prices are displayed on digital signs that you can see before joining the road, but generally, it’s around £4 to £7 for a car and £9 to £12 for a van.
Where is it?
Over the River Avon near Bath.
How much does it cost?
Drivers looking to use this 19th-century toll bridge will have to pay 80p if travelling in a car, or £1.50 if driving a van, though monthly passes are available if you’re a frequent user of the bridge.
Where is it?
The iconic bridge spans Avon Gorge and joins Bristol and North Somerset together.
How much does it cost?
Based on legendary civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s original design, crossing this famous Grade I listed bridge will cost you £1.
Where is it?
Kingston upon Hill in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
How much does it cost?
Another Grade I listed bridge, travelling over this one-time record-breaking suspension bridge costs cars £1.50 per journey, while larger vehicles like mini buses, regular buses and coaches are looking at a £4 charge. Motorcycles can cross for free!
Where are they?
Between Newcastle and South Shields.
How much does it cost?
Both car and van owners will be charged £1.90 for the privilege of passing through these North East tunnels.
Where is it?
On the outskirts of Plymouth.
How much does it cost?
Cars and small vans looking to pass over the Tamar crossing will have to pay £2, while larger vehicles like buses and bigger vans will have to fork out £4.90.
Where are they?
Under the River Mersey, in Liverpool.
How much does it cost?
If you’re driving a motorcycle, car on private/light goods van, then expect to pay to £1.80 (though discounts are available for regular users). Bigger vans, buses, and heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will have to pay £3.60 – again, discounts are available.
Where is it?
Over the River Trent in Lincolnshire.
How much does it cost?
One of the lowest tolls on the list, it costs just 40p for cars to drive across the Dunham Bridge, while van drivers must pay 60p for their troubles.
Where is it?
Between Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire, which spans the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal.
How much does it cost?
Cars using the bridge are required to pay a toll of £1.80, while small vans and minibuses will have to pay £5.40.
Where is it?
Over the River Itchen in Southampton.
How much does it cost?
To pass over this stretch of Southampton, car drivers will be looking at around 80p, while van drivers should expect to pay £1.40
Where is it?
Crossing the River Thames near Reading.
How much does it cost?
Any vehicle under 3.5 tonnes will have to pay a toll of 60p, while anything over 3.5 tonnes will have to fork out £4 to pass.
Where is it?
Across the River Wye in Herefordshire.
How much does it cost?
For midnight-to-midnight use, drivers must pay £1. Note: the speed limit is a mere 5 mph in this neck of the woods.
Where is it?
Near Eynsham in Oxfordshire.
How much does it cost?
Car owners looking to cross this Grade II listed bridge will have to pay just 5p, while lorry drivers will have to hand over 50p.
Where is it?
Over the River Wyre in northern Lancashire.
How much does it cost?
Depending on their weight, cars travelling over the Cartford Bridge will be charged between 50p to 70p, while vans will be charged a 70p toll.
Where is it?
Crossing the Manchester Ship Canal, it covers the entirety of the canal’s undertaking, from Warburton village to the A57.
How much does it cost?
All drivers are charged the somewhat random amount of 12p.
Where is it?
North Yorkshire.
How much does it cost?
All drivers are required to pay 40p when crossing.
Where is it?
Spanning the River Severn in Shrewsbury.
How much does it cost?
Looking to cross this Grade II listed bridge? You’ll have to fork out 20p whatever vehicle you’re driving.
Generally, you can usually pay for tolls with card, cash or what’s called a toll tag. Paying with these typically means your fare will be reduced, but then there’s also a monthly payment for hiring one for your vehicle to contend with too. Paying with a toll tag is only worth it if you’re going to be passing through the toll on a regular basis.
You can certainly take the scenic route if you’re dead set on avoiding toll roads. A bit of forward planning using Google Maps or any other journey planner will let you know whether you’re likely to encounter a toll road – which is well worth doing if you’re heading somewhere you aren’t familiar with. Just be sure you have the means to pay before you set off.
With that said, the amount of petrol and time you might spend “saving” yourself from paying a toll might not be, for the most part, worth the cost of simply accepting the fee.
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