The cost of driving through two of London’s busiest under-the-Thames tunnels has now increased. As of this week (September 21), drivers of the capital city will be charged more to cross through the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
Last year, the Silvertown Tunnel became the first crossing built under the Thames in 30 years, aiming to curb traffic and air pollution. Its opening also brought toll charges to both Silvertown and the historically free Blackwall Tunnel. But now, those tolls have officially gone up, and here’s everything you need to know.
How much does it now cost to drive through the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels?
The new charges depend on what you drive and when you travel. Drivers in cars or small vans crossing either tunnel will now pay £4.20 during peak hours (a 20p hike) and £1.55 off-peak (a 5p increase).
Peak charges apply Monday to Friday only northbound 06:00-10:00 and southbound 16:00-19:00. Off peak applies at all other times between 06:00-22:00, including weekends.
Starting September 21, updated toll rates for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels will apply as follows:
- Cars and small vans: £4.20 during peak hours, dropping to £1.55 off-peak.
- Bikes and mopeds: £2.60 during peak hours, dropping to £1.55 off-peak.
- Large vans: £6.80 during peak hours, dropping to £2.60 off-peak.
- HGVs: £10.50 during peak hours, dropping to £5.25 off-peak.
Discount for London residents and certain vehicles
Thousands of Londoners qualify for reduced tunnel tolls. A 50% discount is available to low-income residents living in the City of London as well as 12 qualifying boroughs: Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest. You can check if you are eligible and apply for the discount here.
Discounts also apply to Blue Badge holders, certain businesses, cleaner vehicles, those living within the Congestion Charge residents’ discount zone, motor tricycles, roadside recovery vehicles and vehicles with more than 9 seats.
How to pay for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges
Most drivers pay the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges using TfL Autopay (as this ensures that users pay the lowest price). The penalty for not paying the toll charge is £180 (but this is discounted to £90 if you pay within two weeks.
“Without tunnel user charge, there would be more traffic and congestion, with negative impacts on air quality and journey times.”
Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of strategy, said: “The tunnel user charges are designed to manage traffic demand – which then enables wider objectives like improving the road network’s performance and resilience, encouraging use of public transport and active travel, and supporting economic growth.
“Without tunnel user charge, there would be more traffic and congestion, with negative impacts on air quality and journey times.
“A small increase to the tunnel user charges to account for inflation would ensure the user charge remains at the right level to manage traffic demand at the tunnels and achieve the project’s other objectives effectively.”
You can find out more about the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges here.
