Multi-axle HGV (3+ axles)
Articulated lorries, large rigids and any goods vehicle with three or more axles.
PAYG
£8.40
Pre-pay
£7.20
Saving
£1.20
Dartford Crossing HGV costs
Multi-axle goods vehicles fall into Class D. The PAYG charge is the highest in the schedule. A pre-pay account drops the rate by £1.20 per crossing, which adds up to over £600 a year for a 5x weekly route.
Annual cost at common frequencies
Per HGV, 52 weeks a year. The pre-pay saving is significant on volume.
| Crossings/week | PAYG | Pre-pay | Annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1x | £437 | £374 | £62/yr |
| 3x | £1310 | £1123 | £187/yr |
| 5x | £2184 | £1872 | £312/yr |
| 10x | £4368 | £3744 | £624/yr |
| 20x | £8736 | £7488 | £1248/yr |
A 5-vehicle, 5-day-a-week operation crossing twice a day saves around £3,120 a year on the pre-pay rate alone.
Setting up a pre-pay account for HGVs
The standard Dart Charge pre-pay account works for HGVs and supports up to 20 vehicles. For larger fleets, contact National Highways commercial enquiries directly.
- £15 minimum deposit, scaled up if you cross often.
- Direct Debit auto top-up keeps the balance from running dry.
- Add each vehicle by registration. Buying a new lorry? Update the account before its first crossing.
- Downloadable transaction reports for fleet admin and tax.
Routing for tall HGVs
The Dartford tunnels have a height limit of 4.88m. Vehicles taller than that, including some box-bodied artics and abnormal loads, must use the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in both directions. The northbound bridge diversion is signed from the M25 approach. Plan for it in advance. The bridge route adds a few minutes during peak hours but avoids the hassle of being turned around at the tunnel head.
Width and load restrictions
Standard HGVs are fine in either direction. Wide loads, abnormal indivisible loads and anything requiring an escort should coordinate with National Highways in advance. Permit information sits with the National Highways abnormal loads team, not Dart Charge customer services.