Transport for London (TfL) has announced upcoming price hikes for the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels on the back of its first-year monitoring report for the new Silvertown crossing.
Transport for London (TfL) has announced upcoming price hikes for the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels on the back of its first-year monitoring report for the new Silvertown crossing.
The 1.4km Thames tunnel – which opened in April 2025 – has successfully made the local road network more resilient and reliable for businesses and essential freight. On the A102 northbound approach to the Blackwall Tunnel, morning peak journey times fell by 58%, while evening peak delays dropped by 47%.
Environmental and sustainability data shows an average 17% reduction in nitrogen dioxide concentrations compared to pre-opening levels. Additionally, cross-river bus journeys surged by 290% following the introduction of 21 zero-emission buses per hour, meaning more than one in 10 cross-river trips through the tunnels are now made by public transport.
As well as providing a new cross-river route, the Silvertown Tunnel has reduced congestion in other areas, with quicker journeys through the Blackwall Tunnel at all times in both directions and a 23% reduction in the number of over-height vehicle incidents at the Blackwall Tunnel.
To manage traffic demand, minimise environmental impacts and ensure the new tunnel achieved its objectives, TfL was required to introduce user charges for both the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels, which analysis shows have been working successfully.
Tunnel charges will increase in line with inflation from 21 September 2026 while existing discounts for eligible residents, businesses and Blue Badge holders will remain in place.
| Vehicle Type | Standard Off-Peak (Auto Pay) | Peak Hours (Auto Pay) | Standard Rate (Other Channels) |
| Motorcycles / Mopeds | £1.55 (was £1.50) | £2.60 (was £2.50) | £2.60 (was £2.50) |
| Cars & Small Vans | £1.55 (was £1.50) | £4.20 (was £4.00) | £4.20 (was £4.00) |
| Large Vans | £2.60 (was £2.50) | £6.80 (was £6.50) | £6.80 (was £6.50) |
| Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) | £5.25 (was £5.00) | £10.50 (was £10.00) | £10.50 (was £10.00) |
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “This analysis shows that the Silvertown Tunnel is proving a success, not only cutting journey times but encouraging more sustainable transport so we can keep cleaning up our air. I’m particularly pleased to see major reductions in congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel benefitting businesses and local residents. The Silvertown Tunnel is already transforming travel across the Thames as we continue building a greener, fairer, better London for everyone.”
