Initial charges for the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels have been confirmed after the Transport for London (TfL) board signed off on proposals.
The tolls will come into effect when the new Silvertown crossing opens in the spring and are required as part of the development consent for the new tunnel.
Charges will be replicated across the Blackwall Tunnel, which has been free to use since it opened in 1897, to ensure traffic levels there don’t rise.
The levy will apply from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week. At peak times (from 06:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday), cars and small vans will pay a £4 charge, falling to £1.50 outside of these hours when paying via AutoPay.
Fees for large vans are set at £6.50 peak and £2.50 off-peak, while HGVs will be £10 peak and £5 off-peak, and motorbikes will be £2.50 and £1.50 respectively. To qualify for the off-peak rates, motorists must use AutoPay.
The confirmed charges align with those originally proposed in the consultation, but with a minor amendment to classify Class N2 electric vans up to 4.25-tonnes GVW as Class N1 light vans.
The TfL board also signed off on a range of concessions and discounts for residents and businesses. These include a £1 discount on the standard off-peak charge for at least one year for small businesses, sole traders and charities registered in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Greenwich. There’s also a 50% discount for low-income residents in 12 east and south east London boroughs and the City of London.
Christina Calderato, director of strategy at TfL, said: “These measures will manage traffic demand as well as the environmental impacts, and ensure the new tunnel delivers on its objectives of reducing congestion and providing resilience at the Blackwall Tunnel, while ensuring we support local residents on low income, small businesses, sole traders and local charities.
“If we did not introduce these, there would likely be high levels of traffic and congestion, which would lead to detrimental air quality impacts, as well as longer journey times.
“In the new year, we will carry out a major marketing campaign to encourage drivers to sign up to TfL AutoPay, ensuring Londoners can benefit from the off-peak discounts from launch.”
The exact date for the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel is still to be confirmed but it’s expected to be in operation within the first three months of 2025.
