London Drivers Could Face New £4 Tunnel Tolls From 2025
London motorists may soon have to cough up a £4 toll every time they use the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels. Road sign drafts approved by Transport Secretary Mark Harper reveal plans to slap charges on these key river crossings from 2025.
How and When Will the Toll Apply?
Currently, the Blackwall tunnel is toll-free. But the introduction of tolls will coincide with the opening of the new Silvertown tunnel in 2025. According to the plans, tolls will be charged between 6am and 10pm every day, affecting all drivers in both directions.
- £4 toll for cars
- £8.50 toll for larger vehicles
- Payments will be made online
Draft road signs have been published, showing notifications and directions to toll payment points before entering the zone. However, these signs are not set in stone and the charges and rules may change.
More Charges for London Drivers
This new toll comes hot on the heels of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which charges non-compliant vehicles £12.50 per day to drive within Greater London. With the congestion charge, ULEZ, and now potential tunnel tolls, costs are mounting for city drivers.
“The ultimate aim of these proposed tolls is to alleviate congestion in the Blackwall tunnel and reduce emissions,” TfL said.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper’s approval allows for adjustments to the toll amounts, vehicle categories, and charging hours. TfL stresses that no final decisions have been made, and the current toll figures are mere “placeholders.”
Public Backlash and Environmental Concerns
The Silvertown Tunnel has sparked fierce opposition from campaigners and environmentalists who argue it won’t cut emissions. Meanwhile, some drivers desperate to dodge rising fees have even attacked ULEZ cameras – with nearly 500 assaults reported by Metropolitan Police between April and August this year.
London’s patchwork of road charges leaves many residents fuming as the cost of driving in the city edges higher.
Keep an eye on TfL’s official updates for any changes to these tunnel toll plans as the story develops.
