London Drivers Set To Be Hit By More Daily Charges - Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels
Since the Blackwall Tunnel open in 1897, joining the Tower Hamlets and the Royal Borough of Greenwich, it has been free to use. Today, it is a busy thoroughfare between the two boroughs, commuting thousands of people to and from work every single day. Recently, congestion in the area has seen a drastic increase as the tunnel is regularly closed for maintenance work. Recognising that Blackwall Tunnel was one of the few options available to motorists to gain access between East and South East London, proposals were put together for a new tunnel. This would remove the need for drivers to enter Central London and use a bridge, whilst also easing the strain on the Victorian-era Blackwall Tunnel.
Following its first proposal in 2012 and subsequent approval by the Secretary of State for Transport in 2018, work got underway on the new Silvertown Tunnel, joining Greenwich with Silvertown.
Image: TfL
Toll Charges
Part of the original proposal included the introduction of toll charges for both tunnels, much to nearly everyone's disapproval. Drivers and vehicles not eligible for a discount or exemption would need to pay to use both the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel. According to TfL, the purpose of introducing toll charges are to help manage traffic levels and provide "transport, environmental and economic benefits for residents and businesses." The funds from the toll will also help cover the build and on-going maintenance.
How Much Will Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel Cost
The standard off-peak rate for cars, motorbikes and small vans will be £1.50 each way. During peak hours, motorbikes will incur an additional £1 and cars/small vans will incur an additional £2.50. The peak hours are for 4 hours northbound (06:00 - 10:00) in the morning, and 3 hours southbound in the evening (16:00 - 19:00). The charges are set to start in Spring 2025.
In short, this means that drivers commuting from South to North of the river during peak hours for work will incur an additional £8 per day.
MPs and residents have warned the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, that this will hit the most cash-strapped drivers during already difficult times. Some drivers with non-eligible vehicles are already being £12.50 per day for the Ultra Low Emission Zone, and workers who may then have to enter the Congestion Charge zone will pay another £17.50.
The Worst Case Scenario - Example
Consider this situation:
You are a self-employed handy man living in South London. Your rent is a tad cheaper in South London than it would be in the North or East, but the bulk of your customers and work takes you to East London, and most days in Central.
You own a small van that have you had owned for many years. There is nothing wrong with it, so you have not seen the need to replace it... not that you can afford to with rising bills and council tax. You were hit hard by the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone. Overnight, your monthly outgoings had increased by approximately £250 per month.
Now you have the tunnel to pay for. That is approximately another £200 per month.
You enter the Congestion Charge Zone 3 out of 5 of your working days, at £17.50 per time. That is £210 per month.
From Spring 2025, just to drive your work van to work in London it is costing you over £650 per month. That is without fuel, business insurance, road tax, the worry of your tools being stolen, paying to park etc etc.
Exemptions and Discounts
There are some exemptions and discounts being proposed, although none are finalised as of yet:
- 50% discount for low-income drivers in East London
- £1 discount on standard off-peak charge for small businesses and charities
- Free cross-river buss and DLR travel for local residents for at least one year
- Regular bus shuttle through Silvertown Tunnel for cyclist, free for at least one year
- No charge for Blue Badge holders registered with TfL
- Refunds for NHS staff and patients eligible for NHS reimbursement scheme
Some other proposals are also in talks, which can be viewed on TfL's website.
