Drivers could save hundreds of pounds every year by avoiding certain roads across Britain to save on the cost of tolls and fuel prices.
Recent data found that toll roads around the UK generated a daily estimated revenue of £339,488, resulting in an annual revenue of over £123million.
Toll roads have a particularly significant impact on van drivers, despite just making up just a fraction of the 187,200-mile English road network.
New research has revealed that motorists may be better off going through a toll road as the alternative route may result in expensive fuel costs.
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Drivers are advised to use the Dartford Crossing toll road as it is cheaper than the alternative route
GETTY
Certain roads that are more popular with drivers like the Dartford Tunnel and the Humber Bridge may seem more expensive as a one-off charge, but they can be more convenient and cheaper than other routes.
One of the busiest routes in the UK, the M6 Mainline, charges van owners £15.30 to drive the 27-mile distance, in addition to £3.39 cost of fuel for a total cost of £18.69.
However, the alternative 35-mile route avoiding the toll will cost just £4.44, making it cheaper for drivers to take more time to save money.
The largest discrepancy in price is the Humber Bridge, where motorists pay £1.50 to drive the 1.3-mile length over the Humber Estuary.
For drivers looking to dodge the toll, the best route would be 87 miles long and cost £10.92 in fuel costs alone, meaning people would be wasting time and money to avoid the charge.
Tom Banks, motoring expert at Go.Compare, said: "Our research highlights the significant financial impact of tolls on van drivers, it's evident that navigating these routes strategically can lead to huge savings.
"While tolls offer convenience, our data highlights that certain routes might prove more costly for van drivers.
“By opting for alternative routes, van drivers can save substantially, a crucial consideration given the high volume of daily van crossings.”
Van drivers make over 30 million toll crossings every year, spending more than £123million, although serious savings could be seen if they plan ahead and assess their options.
Motorists save approximately £24million every year on fuel costs by using toll roads, as well as having the convenience of avoiding a longer journey.
Tom Banks continued, saying: "However, it's essential to weigh these savings against potential increased mileage, which could impact insurance premiums.
“Finding the right balance between toll use and mileage is key for van drivers seeking cost-effective journeys."
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Toll roads can help drivers save money on fuel costs and make the journey more convenient
PA
There are also concerns that drivers embarking on longer journeys to avoid the tolls will dramatically increase their annual mileage.
When driving long distances more frequently, Britons increase the risk of vehicle wear and potentially higher car insurance premiums.
