The Dartford Crossing recorded a significant rise in revenue in 2025, generating £189.2 million—its highest income since records began in 2004—following toll increases implemented by the Labour government. This £50 million jump in income has drawn criticism from motoring groups, who argue that motorists are being unfairly burdened.

The crossing, which consists of a bridge and tunnel connecting Kent and Essex over the River Thames, saw tolls for car users raised by 40 percent last year, from £2.50 to £3.50. Fees for motorcycles, buses, and heavy goods vehicles also increased. Discounts remain available for local residents and frequent users.

Edmund King, president of the AA, condemned the government’s approach, stating that drivers have effectively been “fleeced” over the continuation and rise of toll charges. He pointed out that original promises made by Conservative governments in the 1980s and 1990s indicated tolls would be removed once construction and maintenance costs of the tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II bridge were paid off, which was projected to occur in 2003. However, despite these assurances, the tolls have remained in place since then.

King criticized New Labour, which came to power in 2003, for abandoning the previous commitments by declaring tolls would remain indefinitely. The policy continued unchanged through Conservative-led administrations from 2010 onward. He emphasized that drivers use the Dartford Crossing out of necessity rather than choice, making the tolls a compulsory expense with no alternative routes.

Analysis of the Department for Transport’s annual accounts, published in July, revealed the scale of the revenue increase. Comparisons with earlier years highlight the growth in income: in 1994-95, Dartford River Crossing Ltd collected £1.04 million in tolls with car fees at 90p. When adjusted for inflation, that rate would be approximately £1.91, substantially less than current charges.

The Department for Transport maintains that toll revenues are fully reinvested into transport projects and asserts that the Dart Charge helps to manage congestion by deterring unnecessary crossings. A spokesperson emphasized that the income supports broader transportation infrastructure improvements.

Despite this, the rise in toll income has sparked debate over the fairness of continuing to charge motorists at the Dartford Crossing, particularly as initial funding obligations have long been met and the charges persist in the face of a lack of alternative crossing options.