Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the new Silvertown Tunnel in east London will open on 7 April 2025.
Linking Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula, the Silvertown Tunnel has been introduced by TFL to “Help to reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel, deliver faster journeys during peak times, help manage overall air quality and allow for better cross-river public transport.”
Once the Silvertown Tunnel has officially opened, you will now be required to pay a toll each time you make a journey through either the Blackwall Tunnel or Silvertown Tunnel.
Image Source: TFL
(Featured Banner Image Source: Google Maps)
How much is the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel charge?
These charges will apply from 06.00 – 22.00, 7 days a week in both directions.
| Vehicle type | Auto Pay off-peak charges Applies at all other times between 06:00-22:00, including weekends | Auto Pay peak charges Monday to Friday only Northbound 06:00-10:00 Southbound 16:00-19:00 | Charges paid by phone or online At all charging times |
| Motorcycles, mopeds, motor tricycles | £1.50 | £2.50 | £2.50 |
| Cars and small vans | £1.50 | £4.00 | £4.00 |
| Large vans | £2.50 | £6.50 | £6.50 |
| Heavy goods vehicles | £5.00 | £10.00 | £10.00 |
No charges will apply for any vehicle between 22:00 and 06:00.
How to pay the Silvertown or Blackwall Tunnel charge?
Auto Pay
Here at Rapid PCO, we recommend that our drivers use TFL’s Auto Pay option for these types of charges.
Not only can you save money with lower off-peak charges and register up to five vehicles, but you will also automatically be charged when journeying through the tunnels. Auto Pay ensures you do not forget to pay any charges and receive Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).
It is simple to set up an Auto Pay account. To find out more about Autopay and to get started, click here.
Paying online
To manually pay online for a number of different road fees, from Congestion Charges to the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel charges, you can use this pay to drive in London page.
You can download the official TfL Pay to drive in London app for free from both the Apple App store and Google play store.
Paying by phone
UK: 0343 222 2222 (call charges may apply)
International: +44 343 222 2222
Textphone: 020 7649 9123 (if you have impaired hearing)
Please note that by using these payment methods and not Auto Pay, you will be charged the peak rate at all times.
When do you need to pay the Silvertown/Blackwall Tunnel charges?
If you drive through either the Silvertown Tunnel or Blackwall Tunnel from 7 April 2025 between 06.00-22.00, you will have until midnight on the third day after your journey to pay. Charges apply 7 days a week in both directions.
If you fail to pay the Silvertown/Blackwall Tunnels charge on time, you run the risk of getting a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The PCN for non-payment is £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 2 weeks).
Why has the Silvertown Tunnel been built?
Due to the levels of traffic crossing the river on the Blackwall Tunnel, there has been an increase in incidents with larger, unsuitable vehicles causing delays and closures.
Drivers have been forced to either queue or choose longer routes to avoid the Blackwall Tunnel entirely; as a result, journey times are significantly increasing. The Blackwall Tunnel can cause tailbacks of up to several miles in just a matter of minutes.
How will the Silvertown Tunnel work?
The Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel will work in the same way.
As you enter either of these tunnels, there will be cameras that read your numberplate and check whether you have paid the charge and if your car is exempt.
Are there any tunnel charge exemptions?
According to TFL there will be no charge at any time for vehicles:
- With a disabled tax class
- DVLA-registered minibuses, buses and coaches
- Taxis licensed by TfL
Please note – this does not mean private hire vehicles.
TfL licensed taxis (black cabs) can be hailed on the street, have metered fares, and must be wheelchair accessible.
Private hire vehicles (PHVs) must be pre-booked, have fares set by the operator, and are not all required to be wheelchair accessible. Both are regulated for safety and reliability. Zero-emission capable and wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles must be licensed by TfL when carrying out a booking.
A 100% discount on tunnel charges will also apply to vehicles registered for our existing Congestion Charge discounts for:
- Blue Badge holders
- Roadside recovery vehicles
- Accredited breakdown vehicles
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