Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel fees increased

Drivers using the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels will have to pay more to cross the Thames from today.

Charges will rise by between 3.3% and 5%, depending on the vehicle and time of travel.

The Silvertown Tunnel opened in April 2025, when charges were introduced for both crossings. It meant drivers had to pay to use the Blackwall Tunnel for the first time since it opened in 1897.

TfL said the charges were intended to manage traffic across the tunnels, repay the cost of building Silvertown and help fund the operation and maintenance of both crossings.

The changes to the tolls:

• Cars and small vans: The off-peak charge will rise by 5p to £1.55, while the peak charge will increase by 20p to £4.20
• Motorcycles, mopeds and motor tricycles: The off-peak charge will rise by 5p to £1.55, with the peak charge increasing by 10p to £2.60
• Large vans: The off-peak charge will rise by 10p to £2.60, while the peak charge will increase by 30p to £6.80
• Heavy goods vehicles: The off-peak charge will rise by 25p to £5.25, while the peak charge will increase by 50p to £10.50

Charges apply in both directions from 06:00 to 22:00.

On weekdays, the higher peak rate is charged from 06:00 to 10:00 northbound and 16:00 to 19:00 southbound.

Drivers need to use Auto Pay to get the cheaper off-peak rates. Those paying online or by phone are charged the higher rate regardless of when they travel.

Only emergency service vehicles, TfL-licensed taxis and some buses and coaches are exempt from the charge, while Blue Badge holders can apply to use the tunnels for free.

People on certain benefits who live in 12 east London boroughs or the City of London can get 50% off.

Some small businesses, sole traders and charities in Greenwich, Newham and Tower Hamlets can also get £1 off off-peak crossings for up to three vehicles.

Christina Calderato from TfL, 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 the 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."

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