The controversial Silvertown Tunnel is just months from completion. But, a discount knocking down toll prices to just 75p are eligible for those who meet certain criteria. Here’s everything you need to know
A controversial regeneration of a Victorian tunnel is just months away from completion. The expansion of Silvertown Tunnel, which first received approval in 2018, will open on April 7 – linking Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula in east London.
Transport for London (TfL) says the 1.4km tunnel will ‘reduce congestion, deliver faster journeys during peak times, help manage overall air quality and allow for better cross-river public transport’. However, campaigners have staunchly opposed the plans after it was announced Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will be allowed to use the tunnel. Fresh rows surfaced after it was revealed TfL has spent almost £2 million (£1,967,010) on a three-year ‘bike bus’ contract that will allow cyclists to travel through the tunnel. The organisation prohibited cycling in the tunnel, citing ‘safety reasons’.
Once the Silvertown Tunnel opens, charges will apply to both the Blackwall Tunnel and the new Silvertown Tunnel. You’ll need to pay every single time you cross – unless you’re exempt or travel between 10pm and 6am.
Those registered for Auto Pay will be able to access ‘off-peak charges’ which gives them a discount for using the tunnel at certain times. The charges apply to those on a motorcycle, moped, motor tricycle, cars, small and large vans, as well as HGVs.
Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels – how much will it cost?
|
Vehicle |
Auto Pay off-peak charges (Incudes weekends) |
Auto Pay peak charges (Monday to Friday only Northbound 06:00-10:00 Southbound 16:00-19:00) |
Pay by phone/ online |
|
Motorcycle, moped, motor tricycle |
£1.50 | £2.50 | £2.50 |
|
Cars and small van |
£1.50 | £4 | £4 |
|
Large van |
£2.50 | £6.50 | £6.50 |
|
Heavy goods vehicle |
£5 | £10 | £10 |
“A 50 per cent discount on tunnel charges will be available to drivers on certain benefits living in Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, City of London, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest,” TfL states. “The East London low-income residents’ discount would be for a period of at least 3 years from 7 April 2025. To pre-register for the 50 per cent low-income discount, visit our discounts and exemptions page.”
These benefits include:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Carer’s Allowance
- Housing Benefit
Other incentives include locals having access to free fares on bus routes for ‘at least 12 months’ from the tunnel opening, and having discounts for small businesses, sole traders and charities. There will be no charge at any time for vehicles with a disabled tax class, Taxis licensed by Tf, Zero-emission capable and wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles licensed by TfL when carrying out a booking, and DVLA-registered minibuses, buses and coaches.
“A 100 per cent discount on tunnel charges will also apply to vehicles registered for our existing Congestion Charge discounts for Blue Badge holders, roadside recovery vehicles, and accredited breakdown vehicles,” TfL added. You can learn more here.
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