How Much Does the Dartford Crossing Make a Day?

The Dartford Crossing is one of the UK’s busiest tolled roads, connecting Kent and Essex via the M25. Despite promises it would eventually become free to use, it continues to rake in millions every year. But how much does it actually earn per day? Where does that money go? And why are drivers still being charged decades after its construction?

This guide answers all of that, including a breakdown of toll charges, daily and annual earnings, and a look at year-on-year revenue.

What Is the Dartford Crossing?

The Dartford Crossing consists of two tunnels (northbound) and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge (southbound), carrying traffic over and under the River Thames. It links the eastern sides of the M25 and is used by over 160,000 vehicles daily, making it one of the busiest crossings in Europe.

It was originally built to ease traffic congestion in East London and has become a critical transport route for freight, commuters, and holiday traffic.

Why Do They Charge for the Dartford Crossing?

When the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge was opened in 1991, the government said the toll would be temporary, intended to recover construction costs. These costs were fully paid off by 2003.

However, in 2008, charges were reclassified as a “road user charge” under the Transport Act 2000, meaning the crossing would continue to charge indefinitely to manage demand and congestion. In short, the toll no longer funds the build—it now funds ongoing maintenance and traffic control.

Why Isn’t the Dartford Crossing Free?

Although construction costs have long since been recovered, Highways England argues that keeping the charge helps manage traffic flow and raises funds for infrastructure. The charge is also a way to discourage unnecessary use during peak times.

The continued use of charges has drawn criticism, especially given how many people rely on it for daily commutes. But the government's position is that congestion would worsen dramatically if the toll was scrapped.

What Do They Charge to Use the Dartford Crossing?

As of 2024, the standard toll rates for vehicles are:

• Cars: £2.50

• Two-axle goods vehicles: £3.00

• Multi-axle HGVs and buses: £6.00

• Motorbikes: Free

• Local residents (with a valid Dart Charge account): Discounted rate or exemptions apply

Tolls apply between 6am and 10pm, seven days a week. Outside of these hours, the crossing is free.

How Much Does the Dartford Crossing Make a Day?

With over 160,000 vehicles using the crossing each day, and an average toll of around £2.50, the crossing generates approximately:

£400,000–£450,000 per day

This figure includes a mix of car, van, HGV, and bus traffic, along with penalties for unpaid Dart Charge fees.

How Much Does the Dartford Crossing Make in a Year?

According to public data and FOI reports, the Dartford Crossing generates roughly:

£160 million to £170 million per year

This includes not only toll income but also fines and enforcement penalties issued to users who don’t pay on time. A substantial share of this revenue comes from HGVs, which pay higher toll rates.

Year-by-Year Revenue Chart (Approximate)

• 2016/17: £186 million

• 2017/18: £188 million

• 2018/19: £192 million

• 2019/20: £197 million

• 2020/21: £139 million (COVID impact)

• 2021/22: £165 million

• 2022/23: £173 million

• 2023/24: £175+ million (estimated)

Note: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant dip in use and revenue, but figures rebounded quickly as travel restrictions eased.

Final Thought

The Dartford Crossing brings in well over £400,000 a day and continues to earn the government close to £175 million annually, long after the original build costs were recovered. While drivers often question why the toll still exists, the official line remains that it's now a tool for managing congestion and funding road maintenance.