Drivers using Dunham Bridge on the Nottinghamshire – Lincolnshire border will face higher toll charges from Saturday 1 August.
The Dunham Bridge Company has announced the increase after a new statutory order was approved by the Department for Transport on 10 July.
For cars, small vans and minibuses carrying up to 16 passengers, the standard charge will rise from 50p to 70p, including VAT.
The maximum permitted toll before VAT has been set at 58p for these vehicles. A discounted prepaid-card rate of 38p before VAT will be available until 31 July 2028.
Four-wheeled lorries, larger vans, motor caravans and coaches will be subject to a maximum charge of £1.25 before VAT, equivalent to £1.50 including VAT. The same rate will apply to specified vehicles towing trailers.
For lorries, larger vans and coaches with six wheels or more, the maximum will be £3.33 before VAT, equivalent to about £4 including VAT.
Agricultural vehicles with four or more wheels will remain subject to a maximum toll of £1.67 before VAT, equivalent to about £2 including VAT.
The order sets the highest amounts the Dunham Bridge Company is permitted to charge. It replaces the toll order introduced in 2023, when the standard car charge increased from 40p to 50p — the bridge’s first toll rise for a decade. The new 70p car toll represents a 40 per cent increase on the current charge. The previous statutory tariff is set out in the 2023 order.
Dunham Toll Bridge carries the A57 over the River Trent between Newton-on-Trent in Lincolnshire and Dunham-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire.
The original cast-iron bridge was built by a group of Lincoln businessmen in the 1830s. Its superstructure was rebuilt in steel to trunk-road standards in 1978 and can carry vehicles up to the national 44-tonne weight limit.
However, the bridge continues to stand on its original piers and abutments. The company says money is being placed into a replacement fund to meet the cost of its eventual reconstruction.
A new toll plaza was built in 1994, increasing the number of collection lanes from two to four to reduce queues. The company says there is no available space for further toll booths.
Cash and card payments are accepted at the crossing. Passage is free for all vehicles on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
