What should you watch for when driving in Great Britain?
Are there tolls in Great Britain? Technically, yes. Although there is no national toll network, it is compulsory for heavy goods vehicles (> 12 t) registered abroad to pay for access to the UK road network. This type of toll collection is therefore similar to the Eurovignette countries. The corresponding booking portal can be found here.
Additionally, different regulations apply to traffic routes and zones in Great Britain.
The government has confirmed that from August 1, 2023, a new, reformed HGV levy will be made following the expiry of the three-year suspension. The new levy was reformed to reflect the environmental performance of the vehicle. The Government remains committed to ensuring that the levy applies to all HGVs over 12 tonnes using the UK road network.
Beginning June 5, 2023 you will be able to charge the levy with your UTA Card, when the digital service will be available on GOV.UK.
Therefore, it is important that you comply with the toll before entering the country.
Motorways
The M6 Toll is the only motorway with tollbooths in Great Britain. Running north of Birmingham and Walsall, it represents an alternative route for the M6, which is heavily used. The toll levied depends on factors such as vehicle category and time. More information about the M6 Toll can be foundhere.
Bridges and tunnels
User fees are charged for some bridges and tunnels; these are run by independent operators with their own vehicle category classifications and payment methods. You can find information here on paying tolls, for example, for the Dartford Corssing, which goes both over and under the Thames on the M25 ring road to the east of London.
London
If you want to drive into the English capital, you should find out about the applicable tolls and register in advance.
There are three different types of charges in London which - in addition to regulating the volume of traffic in the city centre - are designed to improve air quality.
Fees apply in certain areas. For example, Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges are levied in the city centre and the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charge is levied across a wider area.
Registering for the HGV levy does not automatically cover other British tolls. There are severe penalties for non-compliance.! Talk to us - we would be happy to advise you and help you plan your trip!
The toll system in Great Britain
How tolls are collected
Electronic, open system:
Authorisation to use toll roads is stored in a central database when a licence plate is registered. The basis for the HGV levy is the weight, number of axels and emission class of the vehicle as well as the amount of time authorised.
Closed system:
Infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels as well as the M6 Toll have defined entrances and exits. Tolls are collected as part of a flat fee based on vehicle category.
How is the toll paid?
Depending on the operator, credit cards, cash and fuel cards are accepted. We would be happy to advise you. Simply contact us!
Toll processing with UTA Edenred
You can use these toll media in Great Britain
HGV toll > 12 t
UTA Full Service Card for HGV levy
UTA Edenred advantages in Great Britain
How UTA customers benefit
Convenient booking of the HGV levy via the UTA Full Service Card in the operator's online portal
Information and support from our toll experts during business hours
Invoicing via a collective UTA invoice with attractive payment terms
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