Bexley Council has hit out at Transport for London (TfL) for approving charges for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels without addressing the borough’s concerns about their economic impact.
The council had called for a thorough assessment of how the charges would affect residents and local businesses before finalising the proposals. However, TfL approved the charges at its December board meeting with only minimal adjustments, prompting criticism from the council.
Concerns Over Impact on Residents and Businesses
The council argues that the new charges, which include discounts only for low-income drivers, will place further financial strain on households and disproportionately affect small businesses in Bexley that depend heavily on cars and vans for their operations. A £1 discount for local businesses will not apply to those in Bexley, exacerbating concerns.
Councillor Richard Diment, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, expressed his frustration, saying:
“This is another kick in the teeth for our residents and small businesses. We need a more comprehensive package of concessions and for the area of coverage for resident discounts to be extended to Bexley, given the lack of modern public transport links serving the borough.”
He added:
“We have long been campaigning for better transport links and for a broader commitment on public transport investment, but this has once again been ignored.”
Tunnel Charges and Implementation
From April 7, 2025, drivers using the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels will be subject to the following charges:
- Cars, motorbikes, and small vans: £1.50 off-peak, £4 during peak hours (with Auto Pay).
- Large vans: £2.50 off-peak, £6.50 during peak hours.
- HGVs: £5 off-peak, £10 during peak hours.
The charges aim to reduce congestion and emissions while helping fund the new Silvertown Tunnel project.
Calls for Expanded Discounts
The council is calling for expanded discounts and concessions to better support Bexley residents and businesses, citing the borough’s limited access to modern public transport infrastructure.
Next Steps
The council’s concerns will be discussed further at the transport subcommittee meeting on January 15, as it seeks to push for more equitable measures to mitigate the impact of the charges.
Meanwhile, TfL has defended the charges as necessary for managing traffic flow and ensuring the sustainability of the project, while offering concessions for low-income users.
This development adds to ongoing debates over the balance between improving infrastructure and managing the financial burden on Londoners and local businesses.
