Driving a van around the UK isn’t just about filling up with fuel and hitting the road. Van tolls in the UK and various road charges can add up if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re a business owner, delivery driver, or just borrowing a van for the weekend, understanding what you’ll need to pay (and where) can save you time, money, and hassle.
This straightforward guide covers everything you need to know about UK road tolls for vans, congestion charges, low-emission zone fees for vans, and how to pay them easily.
What Are Van Tolls in the UK?
Van tolls in the UK are charges you pay to use certain roads, bridges, and tunnels across the country. While most UK roads are free to use, there are several toll roads and crossings where you’ll need to pay a fee based on your vehicle type and size. The charges for vans are typically higher than for cars but lower than for large commercial vehicles. These UK toll road charges help fund the maintenance and operation of these routes.
Unlike some European countries that have extensive toll networks, the UK has relatively few toll roads. However, the ones that do exist can be significant if they’re part of your regular route.
Major UK Toll Roads and Bridges for Van Drivers
If you drive a van regularly, you’ll want to know about these main toll roads and crossings:
M6 Toll
The M6 Toll is one of the most well-known toll roads in the UK for vans. It runs around the northeast of Birmingham and provides a paid alternative to the often congested M6 motorway. The M6 Toll details show it’s a 27-mile stretch that can save valuable time during peak hours, though you’ll pay for the privilege.
Van charges on motorways like the M6 Toll depend on your vehicle size. Light commercial vehicles (vans) currently pay more than standard cars but less than HGVs.
Dartford Crossing
Connecting Kent and Essex across the Thames, the Dartford Crossing information shows it includes both a tunnel and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. It’s a crucial link on the M25 and one of the busiest toll roads in the UK for vans and other vehicles. Unlike traditional toll booths, Dartford uses an electronic payment system called Dart Charge. You need to pay online before or after your journey – there’s no option to pay at the crossing itself.
Severn Bridges
Good news for van drivers – since 2018, the Severn Bridges between England and Wales became toll-free, saving regular users significant amounts.
Other Notable Toll Roads
There are several other toll roads in the UK for vans, including:
- Mersey Tunnels (Liverpool)
- Mersey Gateway Bridge
- Tyne Tunnels (Newcastle)
- Tamar Bridge (Plymouth)
- Humber Bridge (Hull)
- Various London river crossings
Research by experts has identified the most expensive toll roads for van drivers in the UK, with some commercial drivers spending thousands annually on these charges.
Understanding Urban Charges for Vans
Beyond traditional toll roads, van drivers need to be aware of urban charging zones:
Congestion Charge for Vans
London’s Congestion Charge applies to most vehicles, including vans, driving within the central London zone between 7 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday, and between 12 pm and 6 pm on weekends and bank holidays.
The congestion charge for vans is the same as for other vehicles – currently £15 per day. Some vans may qualify for discounts or exemptions if they meet specific criteria or are used by certain organisations.
Low-Emission Zone Fees for Vans
Low-emission zone fees for vans are becoming increasingly common in UK cities. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) now covers all London boroughs within the M25, and charges £12.50 per day for vans that don’t meet the emissions standards. Check your vehicle to see if you meet the standards.
Other cities with Clean Air Zones include:
- Birmingham
- Bath
- Portsmouth
- Bradford
- Bristol
Each has its own rules about which vans need to pay, so check before you travel. Typically, newer vans with Euro 6 diesel engines (generally registered after September 2016) or Euro 4 petrol engines (generally registered after January 2006) won’t need to pay.
How to Pay Van Tolls Online in the UK
Most UK toll operators now offer online payment systems, making it easier to pay tolls online UK style. Here’s what you need to know:
Van Toll Payment Options
You typically have several van toll payment options:
- Online payments: Most tolls can be paid through the operator’s website.
- Mobile apps: Some operators offer dedicated apps.
- Phone payments: Call centres for those who prefer speaking to someone.
- Pre-pay accounts: Regular users can often save by setting up an account.
- Retail outlets: Some allow payment at PayPoint retailers.
For the Dartford Crossing, you must pay the Dart Charge payment options by midnight the day after crossing. For the M6 Toll, you can pay as you go at the toll booths, use their TAG electronic payment system, or pay using their mobile app.
Setting Up Accounts for Regular Users
If you use certain toll roads regularly, setting up an account often gives you discounts. For example, Dart Charge offers up to a 20% discount for account holders, and the M6 Toll offers pricing options that can save regular users money with their various TAG options.
Planning for UK Tolls and Fees for Commercial Vehicles
For business users, UK tolls and fees for commercial vehicles need to be factored into operational costs. Research suggests van drivers’ expenses on toll roads can add up to millions collectively each year.
Budgeting for Toll Costs
When planning routes and budgeting for jobs, remember to include:
- Toll road charges
- Congestion zone fees
- Low-emission zone charges
- Parking fees
These vehicle registration charges UK authorities apply can significantly impact your bottom line if not properly accounted for.
Using Toll-Free Alternatives
While toll roads often offer faster journey times, there’s almost always a free alternative route. Navigation apps can help you find these, though be aware they may take longer and have more traffic. The UK toll roads guide for couriers provides useful information on balancing time savings against toll costs.
Tips to Manage Van Toll Expenses
- Plan ahead: Check your route for tolls before setting off.
- Consider timing: Some tolls have off-peak discounts.
- Set up accounts: Regular users save with pre-pay accounts.
- Keep receipts: Toll charges are usually tax-deductible for business use.
- Check vehicle compliance: Make sure your van meets emission standards to avoid extra charges.
- Use mapping tools: Some navigation apps allow you to avoid toll roads. The UK toll roads and bridges overview can help you plan your journeys more effectively.
Future of Van Tolls in the UK
The landscape of UK road tolls for vans is likely to evolve in coming years. More cities are considering clean air zones, and there’s ongoing debate about road pricing as a replacement for fuel duty as electric vehicles become more common. The government continues to discuss new crossings, with new Thames crossing and UK toll roads debate showing how these projects might be funded through future tolls.
Conclusion
Understanding van tolls in the UK doesn’t need to be complicated. By knowing which toll roads in the UK for vans apply to your journeys, planning your routes carefully, and setting up the right payment methods, you can manage these costs effectively. Remember that van charges on motorways, congestion charges, and low-emission zone fees need to be part of your travel planning for a hassle-free experience.
It’s important to know when hiring a van with Hire2You about the procedures around paying tolls All of our vehicles are registered to our account for most major tolls, so you don’t need to stress yourself panicking they have not been paid. Once you have returned your hire vehicle you can notify a member of the office staff about any charges you might have received while having the vehicle on hire and an invoice will be sent to you then.
When hiring a van with Hire2You, it’s helpful to understand how toll payments are handled. All of our vehicles are registered with our toll accounts for most major routes, so there’s no need to worry about paying them yourself. After returning your hire vehicle, simply inform a member of our team about any toll charges you may have incurred, and we’ll send you an invoice accordingly.
Ready to hire a van? Visit hire2you.co.uk to book today!