What you need to know as Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel charges rise

The cost of driving through the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels is increasing from today (Monday, September 21).

Peak charges for cars and small vans travelling northbound between 6am and 10am and southbound between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays have risen by 5% from £4 to £4.20. Off-peak charges (at all other times between 6am and 10pm) have increased by 5p to £1.55.

Charges have increased by 5% each way to £5.25 (off-peak) and £10.50 at peak times for heavy goods vehicles. Off peak charges are up 25p to £5.25.

Large vans now have to pay £6.80 at peak times for the crossings, an increase of 30p. Off peak charges for large vans are up 10p to £2.60.

Standard off peak charges for motorbikes and mopeds rise to £1.55. Peak charges rise from £2.50 to £2.60.

Critics of the tunnel tolls say that rather than solving congestion, they have diverted traffic to other crossings, including the Woolwich Ferry, which remains free to use.

A report from TfL previously found pollution and journey times had fallen significantly around the Blackwall Tunnel compared with the year before it opened, but also showed that Rotherhithe Tunnel journey times had risen 3% on weekdays.

Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at Transport for London (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.”

Drivers can sign up to TfL Auto Pay at www.tfl.gov.uk/auto-pay. More than 3.7 million vehicles are now signed up for TfL Auto Pay, up from around 2.65 million in January 2025. Almost 85 per cent of tunnel user charges are now paid via Auto Pay.

Penalty Charge Notice for non-payment are £180, reduced to £90 if paid within two weeks, with the maximum one PCN per day.