Bexley Council Slams TfL Over Tunnel Charges – Claims Borough Left Out in the Cold
Council Outraged as TfL Greenlights Tunnel Fees Without Proper Impact Check
Bexley Council has blasted Transport for London (TfL) for pushing through charges on the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels without properly addressing the borough’s economic concerns. Despite calls for a thorough review of how these fees would hit local residents and businesses, TfL stuck to its guns at their December board meeting, barely tweaking the plans.
Residents and Small Businesses Brace for Financial Blow
The new tolls come with discounts only for low-income drivers, leaving many Bexley households and small businesses worried about the extra costs. Local firms, which rely heavily on cars and vans, won’t benefit from the £1 discount offered to some businesses elsewhere – a sore point for the council.
“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,” said Councillor Richard Diment, cabinet member for neighbourhoods.
“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 Set to Hit From April 2025
Starting April 7, 2025, here’s what drivers face when using the tunnels:
- Cars, motorbikes, small vans: £1.50 off-peak, £4 peak hours (Auto Pay rates)
- Large vans: £2.50 off-peak, £6.50 peak hours
- HGVs: £5 off-peak, £10 peak hours
The charges are designed to cut congestion and emissions while funding the Silvertown Tunnel project.
Bexley Demands More Support & Discounts
With limited public transport options, the council argues Bexley residents and businesses need better discounts and protections from the new charges.
What’s Next?
The issue is set for further debate at Bexley’s transport subcommittee on January 15. The council aims to push TfL for fairer terms.
TfL, meanwhile, insists the fees are essential to manage traffic and keep the project sustainable, while helping low-income drivers with concessions.
This row highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between London’s infrastructure plans and the financial strain on its communities and businesses.
