Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels: TfL Unveils Charges and Discounts Ahead of 2025 Opening

TfL has outlined proposed charges and discounts for the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels, opening in 2025, with measures to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and support residents through various concessions.

Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled the proposed charging structure and discounts for the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels, set to begin in Spring 2025. The TfL Board will finalise these plans at a meeting on 4 December, following a consultation that received over 5,000 responses.

Why Charges Are Needed

The introduction of user charges for both tunnels, operational between 06:00 and 22:00 daily, has been part of the project’s blueprint since 2012. The charges aim to manage traffic, reduce congestion, and cover construction, operation, and maintenance costs. The new Silvertown Tunnel, a modern link between Silvertown and the Greenwich Peninsula, will complement the Victorian-era Blackwall Tunnel, which currently faces over 700 closures annually due to congestion and maintenance issues.

The charges are also designed to deter drivers from favouring one crossing over the other, ensuring a balanced use of both tunnels.

Proposed Charges

• Off-peak rate: £1.50 for cars, motorcycles, and small vans (using TfL AutoPay).
• Peak hours: An additional £1 for motorcycles and £2.50 for cars and small vans. Peak hours are defined as 06:00-10:00 northbound and 16:00-19:00 southbound, Monday to Friday.

TfL will also launch a campaign to encourage drivers to sign up for AutoPay and take advantage of the lower off-peak rate.

Supporting Local Communities

To support residents and businesses, TfL proposes a range of discounts and exemptions:

• 50% discount for low-income residents across 12 boroughs and the City of London.
• Free bus and DLR travel for cross-river journeys for at least one year on specific routes.
• Cycle shuttle bus: A free, zero-emission service for cyclists, operational for at least the first year.
• Exemptions for taxis, Blue Badge holders, wheelchair-accessible and zero-emission private hire vehicles, and NHS staff and patients eligible under the NHS reimbursement scheme.

Benefits of the Silvertown Tunnel

The new tunnel aims to improve connectivity, cut journey times by up to 20 minutes during peak hours, and enhance air quality by reducing congestion. It will also increase bus capacity in the area, with up to 21 zero-emission buses an hour during peak times.

Public Consultation Feedback

The consultation, held from July to September 2024, garnered 5,361 responses from individuals, businesses, and organisations. While many supported the discounts, some called for extended free travel, while others questioned the generosity of the concessions. Following the feedback, TfL has made minor adjustments, including ensuring electric vans are not charged more due to weight and extending refuse vehicle discounts to all east London boroughs.

Future Developments

The Silvertown Tunnel’s construction is nearly complete, with safety systems currently being tested. Work on improving surrounding infrastructure, including walking and cycling routes, is progressing.

The project is part of the Mayor’s vision to regenerate the Royal Docks, which would bring over 36,000 new homes and 55,000 jobs to the area.

For updates, visit TfL’s Silvertown Tunnel project page.