Driving in Europe can sometimes mean having to pay tolls, just like the toll into Wales that was finally removed in 2018. But did you know that London also used to have toll booths? While most of them are now just roadside artifacts, there is still one tollgate that is up and running. The Dulwich tollgate, located on the Dulwich Estate in South London, has been in operation since way back in 1789. The prices on the list from that time show just how different things were back then. For example, the cost for a Motor Car, Motor Cycle, or Motor Cycle Combination was sixpence. There were also charges for horses, mules, donkeys, beasts per score, and even sheep, lambs, or hogs per score. It’s quite fascinating to see how much things have changed over the years.
Today, the Dulwich tollgate accepts various forms of payment, including cash, contactless card, chip and pin, and even Apple Pay, for the fee of £1.20. The only day when passage is free is on Christmas Day. The toll road, known as College Road, is a 1.5km stretch of private road that connects the South Circular to the junction with Fountain Drive. The Dulwich Estate website explains that the toll helps manage traffic flow and prevents heavy goods vehicles from causing too much environmental harm to the area. The toll operates on weekdays from 7am to 9.30pm, on Saturdays from 8am to 6pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 5pm. Outside of these hours, the road can be used without any charge.
It’s interesting to see how this historic tollgate is still functioning and serving its purpose after all these years. The fact that it has adapted to accept modern forms of payment shows how it has evolved with the times. So, next time you find yourself driving through South London, take a moment to appreciate the history and significance of the Dulwich tollgate. It’s a reminder of a bygone era when tolls were a common sight on the roads.
