Toll Roads, Tunnels and Bridges That Offer Concessions for the Disabled
There are a few tolls on roads, bridges, and tunnels across the UK which allow Motability customers to cross for free. Each operator has their own criteria for eligibility and a different application process.
If you are a Blue Badge holder, most operators simply request you to show your badge. Still, some of the tolls require an application prior to travelling.
If you have purchased your Motability vehicle from Macklin Motors, you can expect your journeys to be easier. Your vehicle is automatically exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), which is a qualifying criterion for concession with some operators. You can travel through these tunnels, toll roads and bridges with peace of mind. We highly recommend checking each operator's requirements in advance. Please note, there are no toll roads or pay bridges in Scotland.
Continue reading to find out which toll operators give you free access.
Motorways
Dartford Crossing
If your vehicle is exempt from VED, you can travel through the Dartford Crossing for free. All Macklin Motors Motability Scheme vehicles are automatically exempt.
If your vehicle is registered as exempt, you don't have present any documents or register. The automatic number plate recognition of the toll analyses each plate, allowing you to travel without stopping.
If you have received a penalty charge from Dartford Crossing, get in touch with Motability on 0300 456 4566. Your Motability vehicle may have been registered incorrectly at the dealership.
M6 Toll
The M6 Toll in the West Midlands offer disabled people free access. However, you must apply for the exemption in advance. If you are a Blue Badge holder, this alone does not guarantee your eligibility.
To apply, you must have evidence of one of the below:
- A V5 Vehicle Registration Document which displays the vehicle registration number, and you have been classified as ‘Disabled’ for the road tax
- A confirmation letter that shows your vehicle road tax status as ‘Disabled’ and displays a vehicle registration number under a Motability Vehicle Lease Agreement
- War Pensioner Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independent Payment
- You are under the Disability Living Allowance by virtue of entitlement to the Mobility Component at the Higher Rate
- You are a disability assistant for children or young people by virtue of entitlement to the Mobility Component at the Higher Rate
- You receive Personal Independent Payment by virtue of entitlement to the Mobility Component at the Enhanced Rate
Visit the M6 Toll website for more information.
Bridges and Tunnels on Main Roads
Humber Bridge
Humber Bridge allows you to cross for free if you are disabled. You must apply in advance for the concession.
You can apply if you are a recipient of one of the benefits below:
- Higher Rate of Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
- Enhanced Rate of the Personal Independence Payments
Note that your vehicle must also be exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) to be eligible for the concession. As a disabled person, you are not required to be the driver of the vehicle, but you must be present in the vehicle while crossing the bridge.
Itchen Bridge
You are eligible for a concession at the Itchen Bridge if you are disabled. All applications must be sent before travelling.
To be exempt from paying the toll, you must have a Blue Badge and also provide a recent letter of one of the following:
- You receive the higher rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
- You receive Personal Independence Payments at eight points or above against the ‘mobility activities’ criteria – this should include both ‘moving around’ as well as ‘journey planning’ criteria
- You receive War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
You can apply by sending your evidence as well as a photocopy of both sides of your Blue Badge.
Mersey Gateway Bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge
You can cross the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge for free if you have a Blue Badge. You must register your badge in advance.
Registering your Blue Badge costs £5. If you fail to register before driving over one of the bridges, you will need to pay a full unregistered charge for each trip. You must pay the charge by 11.59pm on the same day or you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
Tamar Bridge
Tamar Bridge allows disabled people to cross the bridge for free. However, you must apply in advance for a concession.
If your application is successful, you will receive a Mobility Concession Smartcard. This will provide you with free access across the bridge.
You must be a registered blind person or own a disabled tax-exempt vehicle to apply. You can also be eligible if you are a recipient of one of the following:
- Disability Living Allowance with Mobility Component at higher level
- Personal Independence Payments benefits equivalent to the Disability Living Allowance
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
Mersey Tunnels: Queensway and Kingsway
You can travel through the Mersey Tunnels for free if you are disabled. However, you must apply for the Concessionary Travel Scheme in advance.
You can apply if one of the following apply to you:
- You are a Blue Badge holder and receive the highest rate of mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
- You are over 65 years old and receive the highest rate of Attendance Allowance
- You are the recipient of the enhanced rate of the mobility component of the Personal Independent Payment
- You are the recipient of the mobility supplement of a War Pension
Tyne Tunnels
Located in the Tyne and Wear region, anyone with a Blue Badge can travel freely through the Tyne Tunnels. To travel through the tunnel for free, you must apply for the exemption and send the required documentation in advance.
After your application has been approved and you have received confirmation about this, you do not have to stop at the inspection lane. The cameras recognise your vehicle’s registration number automatically.
Bridges on Minor Roads
Clifton Suspension Bridge
You can cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge for free for 12 months if you are disabled. However, the eligibility application must be sent in advance. The concessionary card costs £10 for a year.
To apply, you must have a 'BS' postcode and be a recipient of one of the benefits below:
- The higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
- The enhanced rate mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment
Whitney on Wye Bridge
Whitney on Wye Bridge does not offer exemptions for disabled. Everyone is required to make a £1 payment when crossing the bridge. However, you will get unlimited crossings within the same day after paying the toll. Visit their website to read more.
More about the Motability Scheme
Macklin Motors are part of the Motability Scheme, offering affordable motoring for disabled people. We are proud to help the disabled, their families and carers to become mobile.
With us, you can get an all-inclusive lease package covering servicing, repairs, tax and more. You simply exchange your mobility allowance for a brand-new car. We offer one of the UK’s largest Motability fleets, guaranteeing you will find the right car for you.
Our trusted experts are happy to answer any questions and help you find the perfect car for your individual needs.