The A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) (Variation) Order 2025

Published: Wed 16th Jul 25 Came into force: Mon 1st Sept 25

Department: Department for Transport
Made under: Transport Act 2000

The 2025 order varied the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2013, increasing toll charges by 40%.

This order, effective September 1, 2025, increases charges at the Dartford Crossing.

It amends the 2013 charging scheme by raising the charges by 40% across all categories.

The legal basis for the variation is cited, and an explanatory note clarifies that a full impact assessment wasn't conducted due to the nature of the amendment.

Arguments For

Increased Revenue for Infrastructure Maintenance: The toll increase generates additional revenue which can be used to maintain and improve the Dartford Crossing infrastructure, ensuring its long-term viability and safety.
Funding for Transportation Improvements: Increased toll revenue may contribute to broader transportation improvements in the region, such as upgrades to public transit or other road networks, thereby improving the overall traffic flow and reducing congestion.
Alignment with Inflation and Rising Costs: The 40% increase in charges could be argued to reflect the rising costs of maintaining and operating the crossing, ensuring the scheme remains financially sustainable.

Arguments Against

Increased Burden on Drivers: Higher tolls place a greater financial burden on drivers using the Dartford Crossing, particularly those who regularly commute across the Thames.
Potential for Increased Congestion on Alternative Routes: The increased toll could drive drivers to seek alternative routes, potentially causing increased congestion on surrounding roads and negatively impacting local communities.
Lack of Comprehensive Impact Assessment: The absence of a full impact assessment raises concerns that the potential negative consequences of the toll increase, including its effect on commuters and surrounding areas, have not been adequately considered.

1.Citation, commencement and extent (1) This Order may be cited as the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) (Variation) Order 2025 and comes into force on 1st September 2025. (2) This Order extends to England and Wales.

This section establishes the order's title, effective date (September 1st, 2025), and geographic scope (England and Wales).

The title formally names the order, providing a clear identifier.

The effective date indicates when the changes take effect, and the geographic scope specifies where the order's provisions apply.

2.Variation of the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2013 (1) Schedule 2 (charges payable under the first charging regime and the second charging regime) to the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2013 is varied as follows. (2) In column 4— (a) at item B, for “£2.50” substitute “£3.50”; (b) at item C, for “£3.00” substitute “£4.20”; (c) at item D, for “£6.00” substitute “£8.40”.

This section details the specific changes made to the 2013 Dartford Crossing charging scheme.

It modifies Schedule 2, which lists the payable charges.

Specifically, it increases charges by 40% for items B, C, and D (the different types of vehicles).

Note that the specific values for each item ('B', 'C', and 'D') are not explicitly described in the provided text but are referenced in the amendment as 'item B', 'item C', and 'item D'.

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport Lilian Greenwood Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport Department for Transport 14th July 2025

This section shows the signature and authority of the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport, confirming the approval and authorization of this order.

This section also indicates the date the order was signed.

Explanatory Note (This note is not part of the Order) This Order varies the A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order 2013 (“the 2013 Order”), which introduced the current charging scheme in respect of the roads carried by the Dartford Crossing. Article 2 of this Order increases the charges applicable under the free-flowing charging regime in the 2013 Order by 40%. A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it amends provisions relating to a charge.

This explanatory note provides context for the order.

It summarizes the purpose of the order (varying charges set by the 2013 Order) and clarifies the change (a 40% increase in charges).

It also explicitly states that following standard practice no full impact assessment was undertaken because it is a charge amendment.

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