For many toll roads and congestion schemes in the UK a concession is offered to disabled people, provided they meet certain criteria set by the operators.
In some cases, in order to qualify, an application has to be made in advance to the relevant bridge, tunnel or local authority. In other cases it is just a matter of presenting a valid Blue Badge to the toll operator. As the qualifying criteria and application process differ depending on the operator, it is always advisable to check directly with them well in advance of travelling. However, to give you an idea of the qualifying criteria and how to apply, Helen Dolphin has compiled a short summary of a number of the more commonly used tolls.
Application must be made in advance marked with a *
Motorways
M6 Toll *
Exemptions are available if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Lower or Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (dated within the last two years)
- Standard or Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (dated within the last two years)
- Higher rate Attendance Allowance (AA) (dated within last year)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or Armed Forces Independence Payment
To receive the concession you will need to apply to Midland Expressway Limited to receive the M6 Mobility Exemption Pass as this must be shown. The cost for a Mobility Exemption is £7, to be paid annually.
For further information visit www.m6toll.co.uk/pricing/exemptions/
Dartford Crossing
A282 Trunk road Dartford, Essex
Disabled motorists may cross without charge if they are travelling in a vehicle which is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). You do not need to register or present any documentation as your number plate will be picked up by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. Please be aware that motorists who receive Standard Rate PIP and therefore are eligible for a 50% reduction in road tax are not exempt from any charges.
If you have a Motability Scheme vehicle and receive a penalty charge for not paying the Toll please contact the Motability Scheme as it is possible that your vehicle details were not recorded properly by the dealer.
For more information visit www.gov.uk/dartford-crossing-fees-exemptions-penalties
Bridges and tunnels on A roads
Mersey Gateway Bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge
www.merseyflow.co.uk/toll-charges
Blue Badge holders can cross both bridges unlimited at no extra charge once they have successfully registered and paid a £5 one-off registration fee. The Blue Badge holder must be present in the vehicle when crossings are made. If the Blue Badge Holder wishes to change the vehicle which will receive the exemption, a further £5 one-off fee must be paid.
Mersey Tunnels – Queensway and Kingsway *
You can apply for the Mersey Tunnels Concessionary Travel scheme which enables you to travel free of charge through the Mersey Tunnels. To qualify you mut be a Blue Badge holder and in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher Rate of Attendance Allowance (AA)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
To receive the concession you will need to apply in advance.
For more information visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk/tunnels/Pages/Concessions.aspx
Humber Bridge*
Disabled tax-exempt vehicles are eligible for a concession, however you will need to register your vehicle in advance using the application form and supplying photocopies of your V5C or your Motability agreement. Applications need to be completed annually to remain on the concession scheme.
For more information please visit www.humberbridge.co.uk/humberbridge/toll-charges/toll-concessions/
Tyne Tunnels *
UK Blue Badge holders are exempt from the Tyne Tunnels toll charges. To receive the concession you must send in a copy of both sides of your Blue Badge to receive a TT2 Disability Exemption Permit.
Disabled people with Tax Exempt vehicles or a Motability Scheme vehicle are also eligible for a free crossing. A copy of the vehicle’s V5C and a copy of your DWP letter confirming entitlement of higher rate mobility allowance must be sent in to receive a TT2 Disability Exemption Permit. The permit must be displayed in the windscreen.
For more information visit www.tt2.co.uk/tyne-tunnel-tolls/toll-exemption-permits.html
Tamar Bridge *
Exemptions are available if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Registered blind
- Disabled tax exempt vehicle
To receive the concession you will need to apply in advance for a Mobility Concession Smartcard.
For more information visit www.tamarcrossings.org.uk/prices/mobility-scheme/
Dunham Bridge
No concessions available
Itchen Bridge *
Exemptions are available if you are a Blue Badge holder and in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (8 points or above against the ‘moving around’ activity)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
To receive the concession you need to apply for a Smartcities card, send in a copy of both sides of your Blue Badge and proof that you receive one of the qualifying benefits.
For more information visit www.southampton.gov.uk/roads-parking/travel/smartcities-card/travel-disabled.aspx
Bridges on minor roads
Clifton Suspension Bridge *
There is only a concession for people with a ‘BS’ postcode in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment. To receive the concession applicants must apply in advance providing the relevant certification. The concessionary card gives access to unlimited crossings over a 12-month period. There is no concession for Blue Badge holders.
For more information visit www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/crossing-the-bridge/concessions/
Whitney on Wye Bridge
Due to the system now being unmanned the bridge no longer offers any concessions for disabled people. It currently costs £1 to cross the bridge and the ticket offers unlimited crossings within the same day.
For more information visit www.whitneybridge.co.uk/about
Other road charging schemes
London congestion charge
Disabled motorists may enter the congestion charge zone free of charge if they are travelling in a vehicle which is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). You do not need to pre-register as your number plate will be picked up by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
You can also receive a concession if you are a Blue Badge holder by registering up to two cars that you travel in. To register you need to download the registration form and post it back with a £10 fee.
As soon as your letter of notification arrives you will be able to drive in the congestion zone free of charge.
For more information visit www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions
Durham Road User Charge Zone *
Disabled motorists who have a Blue Badge may apply for exemption from the Road User Charge. Blue Badge holders may register up to two vehicles that they normally use to travel. This could be their vehicle, or one they travel in. Registered vehicles will be recognised by the ANPR system as being exempt from the charge.
In addition vehicles used by disabled people that are exempt from vehicle excise duty (road tax) under the ‘disabled’ class may also apply for exemption from the Road User Charge.
These vehicles will remain registered until expiry of the Blue Badge. It will be necessary to re-register upon receipt of the new Blue Badge. Applicants must provide a completed application form along with a copy of a valid Blue Badge.
For more information visit https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/3437/Durham-Peninsula-charging-zone
Please note, details included in the article are correct as of June 2021 but can be changed at any time by the relevant local authority.
About the Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme makes leasing a car an easy, hassle-free experience. With the Scheme, you can exchange part or all of your mobility allowance to lease a car for three years and, once the three years are over, if you decide to remain on the Scheme, you can choose another vehicle.
Insurance for up to three named drivers, maintenance and breakdown cover is already included in the price you pay. The Motability Scheme specialist at your choice of dealership will take care of any paperwork and place the order for you, and you’re supported by the Scheme throughout the lease.
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