Drivers at the Dartford Crossing are paying more but still sitting in traffic, according to new analysis from fleet telematics specialist Geotab.
Data from thousands of vehicle trips shows there’s been no drop in congestion since tolls rose on 1 September, with overall traffic volumes remaining virtually unchanged and journey times actually getting worse.
Geotab’s research found that September accounted for 11.4% of all crossings so far this year – almost identical to the January-to-August average of 11.1%.
Instead of easing congestion, journey times reached their longest levels of 2025, averaging 153.6 seconds across the month.
The first week after the toll hike was the slowest of all, with journeys taking an average of 178.4 seconds. On Thursday 4 September, crossing times peaked at over three minutes – nearly 50 seconds longer than comparable summer days.
By the end of September, traffic began to flow more smoothly, with the final week recording the fastest times in five months. However, congestion levels still remained higher than earlier in the year.
Geotab’s analysis also found that core weekday traffic was largely “price-inelastic” – with essential commercial and commuter journeys continuing at peak hours regardless of higher charges.
Only late-week and weekend trips showed meaningful changes, with more drivers opting for toll-free overnight travel, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
“The toll rise has had little to no effect on the number of vehicles using the crossing; it simply amplified existing patterns,” said Abhinav Vasu, Associate Vice President, Solutions Engineering EMEA at Geotab.
“Flexible trips have shifted to the night, but peak-hour congestion is unchanged. Drivers are paying more but still queuing just as long – and in some cases, longer. For many lorry drivers and commuters, the Dartford Crossing is unavoidable, so the increase just adds to their costs.”
Geotab’s telematics also tracked “harsh events” – sudden braking and acceleration – to gauge the real driving experience.
The number of these stop-start incidents in September was identical to pre-hike levels seen in June, with heavy braking remaining common, pointing to persistent bottlenecks and tailbacks.
“The data tells a clear story,” Vasu added. “Drivers are still running into the same choke points day after day. The toll hike hasn’t reduced congestion – it’s just made sitting in traffic more expensive.”
