What are the main toll roads in the UK?

On the European continent, our neighbours are used to paying to use their express ways, autobahns and auto routes. In the UK, we have had little exposure to road pricing, but it's becoming a more common sight to motorists. There are three basic types of toll ways: roads, city centre traffic congestion charges and crossings.

Major roads

The most recent and only major "pay as you go" road is the M6 toll road.
This was the first stretch of privately built and owned motorway in the country. Opened in December 2003, it comprises a bypass that runs from Sutton Coldfield to junction 11A of the M6 motorway in the North. M6 toll As at 11.07.11 (the date on which all prices in this article were checked), the M6 toll charges for cars are £5.30 during weekdays with a reduction at weekends and at night (between 23.00 and 06.00). Full pricing details can be found at M6toll.co.uk.

Crossings, bridges and tunnels

These form the largest part of the toll charging network in the UK. Once again, there are numerous small, low load bridges that charge for use, but the major crossings are as follows. The Clifton Suspension Bridge The Clifton Suspension Bridge is part of the B3129 and spans the Avon Gorge between Clifton and Leigh Woods. The current charge for motor vehicles is 50p.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge The Humber Bridge, opened in 1981, carries the A15 road over the Humber Estuary between Barton-upon-Humber and Hessle. Cars are charged at a rate of £2.70 per crossing. The Severn Bridges The Severn Bridges are two crossings over the River Severn separating England and Wales and carrying the M4 and M48 motorways. Tolls are only excised in a westerly direction entering Wales and cost £5.70 for cars. The Tyne Tunnels
The Tyne Tunnels take the A19 under the River Tyne between Wallsend and Jarrow in Tyneside and cost £1.20 for cars.
The Dartford Crossing
The Dartford Crossing consists of the tunnels, running North, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 bridge southbound. Charges for this stretch of the A282 (M25) between Dartford and Thurrock are £1.50 for cars with free passage from 22.00 to 06.00.

Congestion charging zones

There are only two cities within the UK, which have adopted the controversial practice of congestion charging. Durham was the first, in 2002, with the current tariff being £2.00 on exiting the charging zone. This payment is, however, only levied between the hours of 10.00 and 16.00. London is the other UK city to levy a congestion charge, the current charge for cars being £8.00. Full details of the area covered can be found at Tfl.gov.uk.