Toll roads, low emission schemes and congestion charge zones can seem complicated, but concessions and exemptions are available for those who receive a qualifying mobility allowance. This useful guide can ensure you have a stress-free journey.
If you are a regular user of tolled roads and bridges, most operators provide concessions if you have a Blue Badge, receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Allowance (DLA) or the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Some tolled routes and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) require drivers to have a vehicle registered under the disabled tax class with the DVLA.
The most important thing is to know how charges work before you set off, particularly because some schemes require you to apply in advance. Technology can be helpful though, especially if you only need to occasionally use a tolled road or bridge.
Most cars available on the Motability Scheme have navigation systems that can be set to avoid toll roads, as do driving apps such as Google Maps and Waze.
Planning a journey can feel complicated when tolls, congestion charges and clean air zones all work differently. The good news is that many drivers are exempt, or pay less than they expect.
Before you set off, it helps to know:
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You might not need to pay on some toll roads, bridges or tunnels
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Some schemes need you to apply or register before you travel
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London charges work differently from the rest of the UK
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Hire cars are not always covered by exemptions
Do I have to pay on motorways and major roads?
This section covers exemptions for the M6 toll and Dartford crossing.
Is the M6 Toll free for disabled drivers?
The M6 Toll Road splits off from the M6 and runs between Coleshill in the West Midlands to Cannock in Staffordshire. You are exempt from the toll fees if you meet one of the following criteria:
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V5 Vehicle Registration Document showing the vehicle registration number and the road tax classification ‘Disabled’
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A confirmation letter to claim vehicle road tax classification status of ‘Disabled’ and vehicle registration number under a Motability Vehicle Lease Agreement
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War pensioner mobility supplement
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Armed Forces Independence Payment
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) by virtue of entitlement to the Mobility Component at the Higher Rate.
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Disability assistance for children and young people by virtue of entitlement to the Mobility Component at the Higher Rate.
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Personal Independent Payment (PIP) by virtue of entitlement to the Mobility Component at the Enhanced Rate.
You can apply for an M6 Toll Mobility Exemption Pass on their website. There is a £7 application fee. Once you have been approved, you will automatically be able to pass through the toll barriers.
What you need:
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Proof your vehicle is in the disabled tax class, or
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Evidence of a qualifying mobility allowance
What to do:
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Apply for an M6 Toll Mobility Exemption Pass before you travel
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Once approved, you can use the toll without stopping
Do I need to pay the Dart Charge?
If you qualify for free UK vehicle tax because of a disability, then you do not need to pay the Dart Charge (or Dartford Crossing A282/M25). If you are eligible then cameras will automatically detect this by scanning your vehicle registration.
What you need:
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A vehicle that qualifies for free UK vehicle tax due to disability
What to do:
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Nothing extra. Cameras automatically check your registration
Do bridges and tunnels charge disabled drivers?
There are several bridges across the UK which you could be exempt from paying to cross. Find out where they are and what’s needed to be eligible.
Clifton Suspension Bridge (B3129 Bristol)
Residents of the ‘BS’ postcode who receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or the enhanced rate mobility component of the PIP are eligible for a Concessionary Bridge Card. This costs £10 per year and can be applied for on their website. Blue Badge holders are not automatically exempt.
Humber Bridge (Hull)
Pre-registration is required in order to obtain concessions for the Humber Bridge. Those concessions are available to those who meet the following criteria:
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Higher rate of mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
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Enhanced rate of Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
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A fully tax-exempt vehicle is also required, with V5 logbook classification showing “disabled” for privately owned vehicles.
Itchen Bridge (A3025 Woolston, Southampton)
Southampton City Council offers a SmartCities card to allow eligible disabled people to travel on the Itchen Bridge without charge. This needs to be applied for to confirm you are in receipt of a Disability Living Allowance, PIP above eight points or a military mobility supplement.
Mersey Gateway Bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge (Runcorn, Widnes)
You do have to pre-register and pay a £5 annual fee to be exempt from charges for the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge. However, the process is much simpler than others, with only a scanned copy of both sides of your Blue Badge required as supporting evidence for your application.
Mersey Tunnel (Liverpool, Wirral)
Merseytravel offers a Mersey Tunnels Concessionary Travel Scheme, which means local residents with a Blue Badge are eligible to travel for free through the tunnels up to 200 times a year. Those who live outside the local area can make up to 40 journeys each year. Applying is easy by completing this form and uploading a scanned copy of your Blue Badge or you can apply in person at a Merseytravel Centre.
Tamar Bridge (A38 Plymouth, Liskeard) and Torpoint Ferry (A374 Plymouth, Torpoint)
Operators of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry provide free crossings for those who qualify for a Disability Living Allowance with mobility component at higher level or the equivalent PIP benefits. If you are a regular user of these crossings then you can apply for a Mobility Pass.
Tyne Tunnels (Newcastle)
Blue Badge holders and those entitled to not pay road tax due to disability or through the Motability Scheme are eligible to travel through the Tyne Tunnels without charge. Simply create an account and then renew it annually.
What you need:
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This depends on the crossing. Some accept Blue Badges, others do not
What to do:
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Check each bridge or tunnel before you travel
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Register in advance if required, as exemptions are not always automatic
Will I need to pay clean air or congestion charges?
Clean Air Zones (CAZ) such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) aim to improve the health of residents in these areas by reducing traffic pollution. The main way to achieve this is by ensuring vehicles meet a minimum emission standard.
Transport for London has a specific set of criteria for concessions, including for its additional Congestion Charge Zone, while those across the rest of the country have standard exemption rules.
London Low Emission Zones
London expanded its Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2023 to cover all London boroughs. This means all petrol cars must exceed the Euro 4 emissions standard and diesel models need to be Euro 6. The great news is that all vehicles available on the Motability Scheme meet the latest emission standards and for any others Transport for London has a simple vehicle checker. Any vehicles that do not meet these minimum standards are liable for a £12.50 daily ULEZ charge, with the following exceptions until 25 October 2027 for those with accessibility needs:
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Disabled and Disabled Passenger Vehicle Tax Class. Drivers and vehicles that meet this criteria automatically qualify for the grace period and do not need to pay the ULEZ charge or pre-register for it.
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Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) that do not meet the minimum ULEZ standard can be exempt from the charges provided the have been fitted with approved adaptations.
London Congestion Charge Zone
The Congestion Charge zone operates in central London and uses cameras to scan your vehicle registration. It also applies to the Blackwall Tunnel and the new Silvertown Tunnel. Concessions and exemptions are available as follows:
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Blue Badge holders receive 100% exemption from the Congestion Charge and for the tunnels. You can apply online and there is a £10 annual fee.
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Disabled Tax Class Vehicles. These vehicles are exempt from all charges. There is no need for you to apply for an exemption as the cameras will automatically detect the tax status from your vehicle registration when you enter the zone or pass through the tunnels.
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Residents’ Discount does not grant you exemption from the tunnel charges, but does give you a 90% discount on the Congestion Charge. You can apply for the discount online.
Please note that if you are using a hire car while your vehicle is being maintained or for any other reason, then you will not be automatically exempt from charges for the following:
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London Congestion charge
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Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels
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Mersey Tunnel
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Tyne Tunnels
Other Clean Air Zones
There are a number of other Clean Air Zones around the country in the following cities:
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Bath
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Birmingham
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Bradford
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Bristol
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Portsmouth
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Sheffield
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Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead)
Certain vehicle types are also nationally exempt regardless of emissions. These include vehicles in the disabled tax class and the disabled passenger vehicle tax class, vehicles for disabled drivers, historic vehicles, agricultural vehicles, military vehicles, and specified specialist vehicles. Some local schemes may require pre-registration or additional proof, so check terms before travelling.
All information presented here is correct as of December 2025 and is subject to change.
If you travel regularly, it’s worth saving or bookmarking this guide. Charges and exemptions can change, and checking before each journey can help you avoid surprises.
Find out more about the Motability Scheme
Thousands of people use the Motability Scheme to stay mobile.
Customers receive a full package. Your insurance, servicing and breakdown cover are all included. If you choose a car or a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), your MOTs are covered too. And if you go for a scooter or powered wheelchair, your maintenance is taken care of instead.
