Transport for London (TfL) has announced that charges for driving through the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels will increase from Monday, September 21.
New charges for cars and small vans
Peak charges for cars and small vans travelling northbound between 6am and 10am and southbound between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays will rise by 5% from £4 to £4.20. Off-peak charges – all other times between 6am and 10pm – will increase by 5p to £1.55.
Heavy goods vehicles and large vans
For heavy goods vehicles, charges will increase by 5% each way to £5.25 off-peak (up 25p) and £10.50 at peak times (up 50p). Large vans will now pay £6.80 at peak (up 30p) and £2.60 off-peak (up 10p).
Motorbikes and mopeds
Standard off-peak charges for motorbikes and mopeds will rise to £1.55, while peak charges will go from £2.50 to £2.60.
Background and criticism
The Silvertown Tunnel opened in April 2025, ending the Blackwall Tunnel's status as a toll-free crossing since 1897. Critics argue the tolls have simply diverted traffic to other crossings, such as the free Woolwich Ferry. A TfL report found that pollution and journey times fell significantly around the Blackwall Tunnel compared with the year before it opened, but Rotherhithe Tunnel journey times increased by 3% on weekdays.
TfL's statement
Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at 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.”
She added that a small inflation-linked increase ensures the charge remains effective.
Auto Pay and penalties
Drivers can sign up for TfL Auto Pay at www.tfl.gov.uk/auto-pay. Over 3.7 million vehicles are now registered, up from 2.65 million in January 2025, and nearly 85% of charges are paid via Auto Pay. The penalty charge notice for non-payment is £180, reduced to £90 if paid within two weeks, with a maximum of one PCN per day.
