Dartford Crossing Sees Record Delays Following Toll Increase, Study Finds

Drivers using the Dartford Crossing are facing longer delays than ever, despite paying more under the recently increased toll charges.

New analysis by fleet telematics provider Geotab reveals that average crossing times in September—the first month after the toll rise—were the longest recorded in 2025, peaking at 153.6 seconds. The slowest day was Thursday, 4 September, when it took vehicles over three minutes to make the crossing—almost 50 seconds longer than on comparable days earlier in the summer.

The new toll rates, introduced on 1 September, raised charges for all vehicle categories, with the government citing financial unsustainability of the previous pricing model. However, the data suggests that while costs have risen, congestion has not improved—and in many cases, has worsened.

Geotab’s research, based on thousands of commercial vehicle trips, shows that although travel times improved slightly by the end of September—with the final week seeing the fastest crossings in five months—overall traffic flow remains slower than it was earlier in the year.

Interestingly, the toll hike appears to have done little to reduce the number of vehicles using the route. According to Abhinav Vasu, associate vice president of solutions engineering (EMEA) at Geotab:

“The toll rise has had little to no effect on the number of vehicles using the crossing. It simply amplified existing patterns, pushing more flexible trips into the night but leaving peak-hour congestion unchanged.”

Data also shows that essential weekday traffic, including freight and commuter vehicles, remained consistent despite the higher cost. Only less time-sensitive journeys—particularly those made later in the week—were shifted to free overnight travel windows, most noticeably on Fridays and Saturdays.

For many drivers, especially HGV operators and daily commuters, avoiding the Dartford Crossing isn’t a viable option.

“Drivers are paying more but still queuing just as long—and in some cases, longer,” Vasu added. “For many, this toll increase is just an additional financial strain with no improvement in journey times.”

The study also monitored patterns of harsh driving events, such as abrupt braking and acceleration—further illustrating the stop-start nature of daily congestion at the crossing.