Tolls on Blackwall Tunnel and New Silvertown Tunnel Begin: What You Need to Know
Introduction: A New Chapter for East London’s Transport
In a major development for East London’s infrastructure, tolls have officially been introduced on the Blackwall Tunnel and the newly opened Silvertown Tunnel, two vital river crossings that have long served as essential routes for commuters and businesses. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with many commuters concerned about the additional financial burden, while others see it as a necessary step toward improving the region’s transport network.
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The tolling of both tunnels is part of a broader effort to alleviate traffic congestion in one of London’s most congested areas, promote sustainable travel, and fund ongoing infrastructure improvements. But with these changes come questions about how the tolls will affect drivers, commuters, and local communities, as well as the long-term impact on traffic flow in East London. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the tolling system, including the reasons behind it, the cost of using the tunnels, and what it means for local residents and businesses.
Why Tolls? The Need for Change in East London’s Transport
Chronic Congestion in the Blackwall Tunnel
The Blackwall Tunnel has been a critical river crossing in East London for decades. However, over time, it has become notorious for heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours. Built in the 1960s, the tunnel was never designed to accommodate the high volume of traffic it now faces. As a result, commuters have long experienced significant delays and long queues, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.
The sheer volume of traffic has also had environmental consequences, with high levels of air pollution in the area. For years, there have been calls for a solution to ease congestion and reduce the environmental impact, but the high cost of creating alternative routes has hindered progress.
The New Silvertown Tunnel: A Solution to the Bottleneck
The opening of the Silvertown Tunnel is a direct response to these issues. The tunnel, which runs parallel to the Blackwall Tunnel, provides a second crossing under the River Thames. Its primary aim is to ease the pressure on the Blackwall Tunnel by offering an additional route for drivers, helping to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow in the area.
The Silvertown Tunnel is seen as a vital piece of the transport jigsaw for East London, which has witnessed significant growth in population and business in recent years. The tunnel, which connects the North Greenwich area with Silvertown, is designed to handle a high volume of traffic, easing pressure on the roads that surround key business and residential areas, including Canary Wharf, the Royal Docks, and the City of London.
However, the opening of this new route comes with its own set of challenges, most notably the introduction of tolls on both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
The Tolls: What You Need to Know
Tolling System for the Blackwall Tunnel
For many years, the Blackwall Tunnel was a free crossing, but starting on November 2025, this changed with the introduction of toll charges. The move to charge drivers for using the tunnel was made in response to growing congestion and the need for funding to maintain and improve the infrastructure.
The tolling system for the Blackwall Tunnel is designed to manage the flow of traffic and reduce the volume of cars using the tunnel during peak times. The toll applies to all vehicles using the tunnel, with different charges for cars and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
- Cars and Light Vehicles: £3.50 per crossing
- Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): £5.50 per crossing
The toll is electronically collected, meaning drivers will need to register their vehicle in order to pay the toll. Payment can be made online, and drivers can choose to set up an account to automatically charge them each time they use the tunnel.
The toll charges are aimed at managing congestion, ensuring the maintenance of the tunnel, and providing funding for sustainable transport initiatives in the region. While the tolls are expected to reduce traffic in the tunnel, critics argue that they place a financial burden on commuters who have relied on the crossing for years without any cost.
The New Silvertown Tunnel: What’s Different?
The Silvertown Tunnel, which opened in 2025, is also subject to toll charges. The introduction of tolls for this new route is part of a broader plan to manage traffic flow across the Thames and fund improvements to the transport infrastructure in the region.
The tolling system for the Silvertown Tunnel is similar to that of the Blackwall Tunnel. Here are the current toll rates:
- Cars and Light Vehicles: £3.50 per crossing
- Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): £5.50 per crossing
Unlike the Blackwall Tunnel, the Silvertown Tunnel was built with tolling in mind from the outset. The toll system is fully integrated into the tunnel’s infrastructure, and all vehicles must pay the toll, whether they are travelling north or south across the river. The goal is to ensure that traffic is evenly distributed between the two tunnels, reducing congestion in both and providing an alternative for drivers who are stuck in long queues at the Blackwall Tunnel.
Payment Methods: How Does It Work?
To pay the toll for both tunnels, drivers will need to register their vehicle online. This is done through the official TfL (Transport for London) website or via an automated system that links to a personal account. The payment can be made ahead of time or at the point of crossing, with charges deducted from the driver’s account.
There are several ways to pay the tolls:
- Online Payment: Drivers can set up an online account linked to their vehicle, which will automatically charge them each time they use the tunnel.
- One-Off Payment: For drivers who do not use the tunnels frequently, a one-off payment can be made at the point of crossing via an online portal or at an automated payment machine.
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): The toll system uses ANPR technology to ensure drivers are correctly charged based on the time and date they use the tunnel. If a vehicle is registered in the system, the toll is automatically deducted.
This automated tolling system is designed to be as seamless as possible, reducing the need for physical toll booths and minimizing the risk of delays or congestion at the tunnel entrances.
Impact on Commuters and Local Communities
Financial Impact on Drivers
One of the most pressing concerns regarding the introduction of tolls is the financial impact on commuters, particularly those who use the tunnels regularly. For many drivers, especially those living in nearby areas, the Blackwall Tunnel has long been a free route for daily commutes. With the new toll charges, these commuters will now face an additional cost for what was previously a no-cost crossing.
The toll fees can add up for those who rely on the tunnels daily, potentially costing commuters hundreds of pounds a year. For example, if a driver uses the tunnel twice a day, five days a week, it could cost them up to £7 per day, or £1,500 annually.
This is a significant financial burden, particularly for lower-income households or small businesses that depend on regular transport across the Thames. Some critics argue that the tolls are a form of “stealth tax”, disproportionately affecting those who have no viable alternative route.
Impact on Traffic Flow
The tolls are designed to reduce congestion by encouraging drivers to consider alternative modes of transport, such as public transit, cycling, or even carpooling. The idea is that the financial disincentive will lead to less traffic on both tunnels, improving journey times and reducing air pollution in the area.
However, some experts have raised concerns that the tolls may simply lead to increased traffic on surrounding roads and alternative crossings, exacerbating congestion in other parts of East London. Furthermore, drivers may try to avoid the tolls by using smaller, less direct routes, potentially causing delays and frustration in nearby neighborhoods.
Environmental Considerations
While the tolls are partly designed to reduce congestion, there is also an environmental motivation behind the decision. Both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels are situated in areas with significant air quality issues, and the hope is that by reducing traffic volume, air pollution will be lowered, particularly around the Canary Wharf and Royal Docks areas.
Moreover, the toll revenue generated is expected to contribute to sustainable transport projects in East London, including improvements to bus services, cycling infrastructure, and green spaces.
Criticism and Support: What Are the Arguments?
Critics’ Concerns
While the tolling of both tunnels is designed to address congestion and environmental issues, critics argue that the tolls place an undue financial burden on commuters who have no choice but to use the tunnels. Local residents and small businesses who depend on the crossings for daily transport may struggle with the additional costs. There is also concern that the toll system could create inequities for lower-income individuals who rely on the tunnels to get to work.
Additionally, opponents argue that the tolls are not the right solution to the region’s traffic issues. Some feel that public transport options should have been prioritized over road expansions and toll charges, arguing that better and more affordable public transport would be a more sustainable solution.
Supporters’ Perspective
Supporters of the tolls, on the other hand, argue that the charges are a necessary and fair means to manage traffic, improve infrastructure, and reduce congestion in an area that has long struggled with gridlock. The toll revenue, they believe
, will help fund much-needed improvements to the region’s roads and transport network.
Proponents also emphasize that the toll system is designed to reduce the environmental impact of traffic, particularly in an area of London that faces some of the highest levels of air pollution.
Conclusion: A Necessary but Controversial Change
The introduction of tolls on both the Blackwall Tunnel and the Silvertown Tunnel marks a significant change for drivers in East London. While the tolling system aims to alleviate congestion, improve traffic flow, and contribute to sustainable transport funding, it has also raised concerns about the financial impact on local residents and commuters.
As the system settles in, commuters will have to adjust to the new tolls, weigh their travel options, and adapt to the changing landscape of London’s transport network. Only time will tell how effective these tolls will be in addressing the region’s transport challenges. For now, however, it is clear that the changes will have a lasting effect on East London’s roads and the people who rely on them.
