Transport for London (TfL) is gearing up for the opening of the highly-anticipated Silvertown Tunnel on April 7, 2025, and is inviting drivers, residents, and businesses to register for significant toll discounts. This move aims to alleviate congestion caused by the historic Blackwall Tunnel, which has been free since its inception and has faced increasing traffic pressures.
The new Silvertown crossing will introduce tolls of up to £4 for cars during peak hours, with off-peak charges set at £1.50. To ease the financial impact on eligible drivers, TfL is offering various discounts for low-income residents and local small businesses who pre-register before the tolls come online. Especially, those who reside within specific boroughs and collect certain state benefits can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on their crossing fees.
Residents from 12 east London boroughs, including Greenwich, Lewisham, and Bexley, who meet the eligibility criteria can benefit from this reduction. The complete list of qualifying benefits includes Universal Credit, income support, and carer’s allowance. There’s also incentive for small businesses and charities located within Greenwich, Newham, and Tower Hamlets, with these entities qualifying for £1 off-peak discounts applied to three registered vehicles.
Christina Calderato, TfL's Director of Strategy, emphasized the importance of these initiatives by stating, "With just over two months to go until the Silvertown Tunnel opens, we’re pleased to have opened pre-registration for discounts for low-income residents, local businesses, and charities for Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel user charges.” She encouraged eligible individuals to register quickly so they can fully take advantage of the reduced toll rates.
The need for these tolls stems from the significant construction cost of the Silvertown Tunnel, which is pegged at £2 billion. The tolls will also help to cover the operational and maintenance costs of not just the Silvertown Tunnel but the Blackwall Tunnel, which many fear could experience additional traffic if no changes are made to manage flows effectively.
User charges are necessary as per the development consent for the new tunnel. Charges will be active daily from 6 am to 10 pm, during which time peak rates will apply on weekdays, particularly for northbound journeys from 6 am to 10 am and southbound journeys from 4 pm to 7 pm on Mondays through Fridays.
Notably, the Blackwall Tunnel, which has not charged tolls since its establishment, will be implementing charges at identical rates to those of the Silvertown Tunnel. The strategy behind this decision is to deter drivers from bypassing the new crossing due to the costs associated with it, ensuring traffic levels remain manageable across both tunnels.
One of the major benefits of the Silvertown Tunnel’s opening is the expected reduction of traffic congestion during peak periods, as it could cut travel times by nearly 20 minutes for those traversing heavily trafficked routes.
The average number of buses operating between Newham and the Greenwich Peninsula will also increase from six to 21 per hour during busy times, accommodating the pressing need for effective public transport solutions. TfL plans to offer free bus journeys on routes serving both tunnels for at least the first year, hoping to encourage local residents to opt for public transport.
Many local leaders, including those from Labour boroughs like Lewisham and Southwark, have voiced concerns about the affordability of the tolls, citing comparisons with existing transport costs, such as bus fares. They argue the off-peak charges could hinder users rather than help reduce congestion as intended.
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting the potential consequences of introducing tolls on the Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel. Critics worry these tolls might simply shift traffic congestion to other areas rather than alleviate it overall. A report from Geotab indicated concerning trends such as increased dangerous driving maneuvers during closures and greater travel times across alternative routes.
While there are clear benefits to the planned toll structure, there’s skepticism among local residents about whether the charges will yield the desired outcomes. TfL’s monitoring initiatives, including new traffic checks and air quality assessments, aim to provide transparency and oversight as conditions evolve with the new crossings.
Further information on the discount eligibility, benefits, and registration details can be found at TfL's website at www.tfl.gov.uk/tunnel-discounts. Registering for the TfL Auto Pay is also free and necessary for drivers hoping to qualify for the lowest charges pattern.
With the advent of tolls on these crossings, residents and drivers are encouraged to engage with the pre-registration process now to prepare for this significant shift on April 7, 2025. Whether these changes truly ease the persistent traffic woes of east London remains to be seen, but the initiative certainly lays the groundwork for improved transit dynamics across the area.