A huge new tunnel under the River Thames is set to open on April 7 and drivers will be charged a toll to use it. The Silvertown Tunnel will provide another way to drive between north and south London alongside the existing Blackwall Tunnel. Both will be open 24 hours a day, and if motorists drive through either during charging times, they will have until midnight on the third day after their journey to pay. If drivers do not pay on time, they risk getting a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Transport for London (TfL) says the charge exists to "help manage traffic levels", repay costs for building the new tunnel and contribute towards the maintenance and operation of the crossings. The easiest way to pay is by signing up for Auto Pay, officials say, which lets drivers access lower off-peak charges. The system will check whether vehicle owners need to pay the Silvertown or Blackwall tunnels charge and will automatically bill their registered payment method each month.
Cars will be charged £4 during peak times, while motorbikes and mopeds will only be charged £2.50. Meanwhile, large vans will be subjected to £6.50 peak fess and HGVs will be forced to fork out £10 to travel during these times. Lower rates are available during off-peak times.
"By signing up to Auto Pay, you ensure you pay the lowest charge available for your vehicle type and the time of day that you drive through the tunnels," TfL adds.
Below is a full table of which charges each vehicle type will incur.
Vehicle type | Auto Pay off-peak charges Applies at all other times between 06:00-22:00, including weekends | Auto Pay peak charges Monday to Friday only northbound 06:00-10:00 southbound 16:00-19:00 | Charges paid by phone or online At all charging times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles, mopeds, motor tricycles | £1.50 | £2.50 | £2.50 |
| Cars and small vans | £1.50 | £4.00 | £4.00 |
| Large vans | £2.50 | £6.50 | £6.50 |
| Heavy goods vehicles | £5.00 | £10.00 | £10.00 |
There will be a 50% discount on tunnel charges for drivers living in 12 east London Boroughs or the City of London, as well as those on certain benefits.
Small businesses, sole traders, and charities registered in Greenwich, Newham or Tower Hamlets can also apply for a £1 discount on the off-peak charge for a maximum of three vehicles.
In addition, there will be cross-river bus and refunded DLR travel, and a free shuttle service through the Silvertown Tunnel for cyclists.
