While most of Britain’s roads remain free to use with maintenance costs covered by taxation, a handful of toll roads and bridges still require a fee. Famous examples like the M6 Toll, the M25 Dartford Crossing, the Humber Bridge, and the Tyne Tunnels are well-known to commuters. However, some lesser-known toll spots catch drivers off guard, especially when they appear in unexpected locations.
One Reddit user recently shared their surprise at encountering the Swinford Toll Bridge in rural Oxfordshire, which charges a modest fee of just 5p for cars. Unlike most modern tolls that accept card or online payments, this bridge demands cash only, leaving drivers scrambling for small coins.
The user explained, “Driving through the Oxfordshire countryside, I suddenly came upon the Swinford Toll Bridge. Cars were tailing me with no way to turn back, so I had to cross. I thought it was a quaint British relic and maybe just fun for the toll collectors, but no— the 5p toll was strict and cash only. You’re even expected to return later if you don’t have the exact change.”
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With CCTV monitoring the bridge, the toll operation is serious business. Dating back to an Act of Parliament in the 1700s, it remains privately owned and reportedly generates around £500 daily. Although the toll is among the lowest in the country, it still garners mixed reviews, with some commuters frustrated and others amused by its charm.
Located on the B4044 spanning the River Thames about eight miles west of Oxford, the Swinford Toll Bridge charges 5p for cars, small buses, and lorries. Other vehicles face slightly higher fees, such as 10p for cars with caravans and articulated lorries paying 10p per axle.
The bridge opened in 1769 and entered private hands in 2009 for £1.08 million. Despite the minimal fee, Reddit users expressed skepticism about collecting the exact change in today’s cashless society. Comments included, “Asking for 5p coins in 2026 can’t be easy,” and “Imagine having to find a 5p coin every single morning—proper commitment.”
Locals shared their experiences too. One said, “You don’t have to have a 5p coin; they give change. I bring a few pounds in coins every couple of weeks and work my way through them.” Another added, “Usually, cars in front pay for others, which is like a fun lottery each day.”
Despite some inconveniences, many locals prefer the bridge to the nearby A40, finding it worth the small charge to skip ring-road traffic. The Swinford Toll Bridge remains a unique glimpse into Britain’s transport history—tiny toll, big charm.