Navigating The UK Toll Roads: A Guide For Drivers

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Navigating The UK Toll Roads: A Guide For Drivers

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As your confidence in driving grows, the further you may travel on UK roads. Depending on where you travel, you may find yourself driving on a toll road.

In this article, we’re going to look at where toll roads are, why you have to pay for them and where they are located. Read on to find out more.

What are toll roads?

Toll roads are public roads that you must pay to use. When driving on one, you will come to a toll booth where you will need to pay in order to continue driving on that road. 

Why do I need to pay tolls?

The money that motorists pay on toll roads go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the road.

Can I avoid toll roads?

If the destination you’re travelling to involves using a toll road, there isn’t a way to avoid paying to use the road. It may be possible to use your Sat Nav or a map to work out an alternative route, however, this might add quite a lot of time to your journey.So paying is usually the easier option!

Which are the UK toll roads?

There are 23 toll roads in the UK and 18 of these are river crossings. The most famous toll road is the M6 toll near Birmingham and the Dartford Crossing in Kent.

A full list of UK toll roads can be found on Gov.uk.

If you’re still a learner driver, you may be wondering if you can drive on the motorway before you’ve passed your test. The answer is, yes. Read our article Can Learners Drive on the Motorway for more information.

How much are UK tolls?

The cost of UK tolls varies, from £0.40p to over £5.00. Before you travel you can check Gov.uk to find out how much you can expect to pay.

Can I pay cash at toll roads?

Yes, you can pay by cash or card at toll booths.

What happens if I don’t pay UK tolls?

If you’re unable to pay at a UK toll you may be:

  • turned away and not allowed through
  • issued a fine that you will be required to pay at a later date

To avoid this and arrive safely at your destination, make sure to check if your journey means you will travel on a toll road and be prepared with either cash or a payment card.

How we can help

We hope you find this article useful in preparing you for travelling on UK toll roads. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more help and advice.

Olie Smith
Olie Smith
Olie Smith is a DSA Fully Approved Driving instructor with years of professional experience in driver training. Oliver set up Totally Driving to give a more bespoke, personal feel to driving lessons.

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