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.
This development adds to ongoing debates over the balance between improving infrastructure and managing the financial burden on Londoners and local businesses.
