Bridges and Toll Charges, Disabled Exemptions, Tax Exemptions
Bridge and Toll Discounts for Blue Badge Holders
Blue Badge holders are exempt from many UK toll charges - but in most cases you must register in advance. This guide covers every major crossing and what you need to do.
Holding a Blue Badge can save you significant money on tolls and road charges across the UK. The exemptions vary by crossing - some are automatic, some require advance registration, and some require specific benefits as well as a Blue Badge. Always check the details for each crossing before you travel.
Quick Reference - All UK Tolls and Crossings
| Crossing | Blue Badge discount | Register in advance? |
|---|---|---|
| London Congestion Charge | 100% free | Yes - £10 one-off fee |
| Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels | 100% free | Yes - via TfL account |
| Severn Crossings | Free for all | No - tolls abolished 2018 |
| Dartford Crossing | Free if road tax exempt | No - automatic DVLA check |
| M6 Toll | Free with Mobility Pass | Yes - apply to Midland Expressway |
| Humber Bridge | Free if higher rate DLA + road tax exempt | Yes - apply in advance |
| Mersey Tunnels | 100% free | Yes - apply in advance |
| Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee | 100% free | Yes - £5 one-off with Merseyflow |
| Tyne Tunnels | 100% free | Yes - apply for TT2 permit |
| Tamar Bridge | 100% free | Yes - apply for Smartcard |
| Clifton Suspension Bridge | £10 per year unlimited crossings | Yes - apply by email or phone |
Always apply well in advance. Most crossings require advance registration that can take several weeks to process. Keep copies of your Blue Badge, vehicle registration, and any relevant benefit letters ready - these are frequently required as supporting evidence.
London - Congestion Charge and Tunnels
London Congestion Charge
100% free for Blue Badge holdersBlue Badge holders are entitled to a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge - now £18 per day from January 2026. You must register in advance. The discount does not apply automatically.
Registration costs a one-off £10 and lasts for the life of your badge. You can register up to two vehicles and do not need to be the driver.
Full guide to the Congestion Charge exemption and how to registerBlackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel New 2025
100% free for Blue Badge holdersThe Silvertown Tunnel opened in April 2025. User charges now apply to both the Silvertown Tunnel and the Blackwall Tunnel between 6am and 10pm, seven days a week. Blue Badge holders are exempt from these charges - but you must register with TfL in advance.
How to register: If you already have a London Road User Charging (LRUC) account for the Congestion Charge, your Blue Badge exemption covers these tunnels too. If not, register at tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/discounts-and-exemptions
Important: Until TfL confirms your registration, you must pay the standard charge. Peak charges for cars are £4.00, off-peak £2.50.
Contact: TfL on 0343 222 2222
ULEZ is separate. Your Blue Badge exemption covers the Congestion Charge and the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels - but not the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge. If your vehicle does not meet ULEZ emission standards you will still be charged £12.50 per day. Check your vehicle at tfl.gov.uk before travelling.
Major Crossings
Severn Crossings (into Wales)
Free for all motoristsTolls on the Severn crossings into Wales were abolished on 17 December 2018. Both the Prince of Wales Bridge (formerly Second Severn Crossing) and the Severn Bridge are now free for all motorists. No registration or application needed.
Dartford Crossing (Dart Charge)
Free if your vehicle is road tax exemptExemption at the Dartford Crossing is linked to your vehicle's road tax classification, not your Blue Badge directly. If your vehicle is registered in the 'Disabled' tax class with the DVLA, you are automatically exempt - the cameras check your registration against the DVLA database and no charge is applied.
You will still have to pay if:
- You hold a Blue Badge but your vehicle is not in the 'Disabled' tax class
- You are travelling in a vehicle registered to someone else that is not tax exempt
Payment must be made online or by phone - you can no longer pay at the barriers. All vehicles travel free between 10pm and 6am.
Contact: Dart Charge team on 0300 300 0120
M6 Toll
Free with Mobility Exemption PassThe M6 Toll Mobility Exemption Pass allows free passage through all M6 Toll booths. You must apply in advance to Midland Expressway Limited - a Blue Badge alone is not sufficient. When using the pass, you must use a staffed toll lane and the badge holder must be present in the vehicle.
You must be in receipt of one of the following:
- Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Vehicle registered in DVLA 'Disabled' tax class
- Motability vehicle (with relevant letter)
Contact: 0330 660 0790 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm)
Humber Bridge
Free if higher rate DLA and road tax exemptThe Humber Bridge provides toll exemption for people in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA who also have a tax-exempt vehicle (for example a Motability car). The badge holder does not have to be the driver but must be present in the vehicle.
Apply in advance with a copy of your tax exemption certificate and vehicle registration document. You will receive 20 vouchers and one is handed in at each crossing. There is no limit on the number of vouchers you can request.
Contact: 01482 647161
Tunnels and Regional Bridges
Mersey Tunnels (Queensway and Kingsway)
100% freeBlue Badge holders who are also in receipt of one of the following benefits qualify for free travel. You must apply in advance for the Mersey Tunnels Free Travel Concession. The badge holder does not have to be the driver.
- Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher rate Attendance Allowance
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
Contact: 0151 330 1004 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday)
Mersey Gateway Bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge
100% freeBlue Badge holders can cross both bridges free of charge an unlimited number of times after paying a one-off £5 registration fee with Merseyflow. You can only register one vehicle but do not need to be the registered owner. The badge holder must be in the vehicle for free crossings.
Important: If you do not register, you will pay the full toll every time and risk a £60 penalty for failure to pay.
Tyne Tunnels (A19)
100% freeBlue Badge holders are exempt from Tyne Tunnel charges. Apply in advance for a TT2 Disability Exemption Permit by submitting an application form with a copy of your Blue Badge. Vehicles with a 'Disabled' tax-exempt classification are also eligible - apply with a copy of the V5C and DWP letter confirming higher rate mobility allowance. The permit is valid for one year and must be presented when crossing.
Tamar Bridge (Plymouth)
100% freeBlue Badge holders in receipt of one or more qualifying benefits can apply for a Mobility Concession Smartcard, which allows free crossings. Apply in advance.
Qualifying benefits:
- Higher rate mobility component of DLA
- Enhanced rate mobility component of PIP
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
- Registered blind
- Disabled tax exempt vehicle
Clifton Suspension Bridge (Bristol)
£10 per year - unlimited crossingsA concessionary rate of £10 for unlimited crossings for 12 months is available for Blue Badge holders in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of DLA, or who are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax). Application forms are available on request from the bridge by email, telephone, or from a bridge attendant.
Tel: 0117 973 1579
Email: bridgemaster@cliftonbridge.org.uk
General Tips
Keep your documents ready. Toll exemption applications frequently require your Blue Badge, vehicle registration document (V5C), DWP benefit letters, and proof of identity. Having digital copies saves time when applying for multiple crossings.
For comprehensive official information on toll concessions for disabled people, visit GOV.UK toll concessions. Eligibility criteria and application processes are set by individual operators and can change, so always verify directly before travelling.
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