According to TfL, the tunnel plans to “reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel, deliver faster journeys during peak times, and help manage overall air quality and allow for better cross-river public transport”.
Charges will apply to both the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels.
“Without the charges, traffic would increase in both tunnels causing delays and congestion, which contribute to poorer air quality” a spokesperson for TfL said.
A peak charge will apply during the busiest times (6am – 10am northbound and 4pm – 7pm southbound weekdays).
An off-peak charge will apply at all other times and during the whole weekend, and will be available to customers registered with Auto Pay.
There will be no charge to use the tunnels overnight from 10pm to 6am.
Charges will not apply at the Blackwall Tunnel until the Silvertown Tunnel opens on April 7.
After that, if you drive through either tunnel during charging times, you will have until midnight on the third day after your journey to pay.
If you don’t pay on time, you will risk getting a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
PCN for non-payment is £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 2 weeks).
For motorcycles, mopeds, and motor tricycles, the off-peak charge is £1.50, the peak charge is £2.50, and the auto pay peak charge is £2.50.
For cars and small vans, the off-peak charge is £1.50, the peak charge is £4.00, and the auto pay peak charge is £4.00.
For large vans, the off-peak charge is £2.50, the peak charge is £6.50, and the auto pay peak charge is £6.50.
For heavy goods vehicles, the off-peak charge is £5.00, the peak charge is £10.00, and the auto pay peak charge is £10.00.
To support residents and businesses and encourage people to use the new public transport connections, TfL are offering a package of concessions, discounts and exemptions once the Silvertown tunnel opens.
Local residents will get free pay-as-you-go fares on new cross-river bus routes for at least 12 months after the tunnel opens.
These routes include Superloop SL4, extended route 129, and route 108.
Pay-as-you-go customers can start and end their journeys anywhere along these routes, but must touch in when boarding.
For DLR, pay-as-you-go customers traveling between specific stations will get their fares refunded for at least 12 months after the tunnel opens.
This includes journeys between Greenwich/Cutty Sark – Island Gardens and Woolwich Arsenal – King George V.
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.
Small businesses, sole traders and charities will be eligible for a £1 discount on the off-peak charge on a maximum of three vehicles, for at least 12 months from the tunnel opening.
Cycling is not allowed in the Silvertown Tunnel; however, TfL are providing a “high frequency” shuttle service where cyclists will be able to turn up and go without checking a timetable first.
This new 1.4km road tunnel, with dedicated bus lanes, was first proposed in 2012 and plans were approved by the Secretary of State for Transport in 2018.
TfL’s plans also include improvements for walking and cycling around the tunnel entrances – part of major regeneration on both sides of the river.
