Transport for London has confirmed plans to increase charges for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels in September, with car tolls rising from £4 to £4.20 during peak hours and from £1.50 to £1.55 at off-peak times. The changes represent an increase of roughly four per cent for both crossings.
New toll rates and timing
Charges apply daily between 6am and 10pm, with higher peak rates in effect from 6am to 10am northbound and 4pm to 7pm southbound. Motorcycle journeys will increase from £2.50 to £2.60, while large van crossings will rise from £6.50 to £6.80. The £180 fine for non-payment, reduced to £90 if paid within two weeks, will remain unchanged.
TfL expects to raise an additional £1.5 million between September and the end of March next year from the toll increase, according to agenda papers from its finance committee on June 18.
Discounts and inflation rationale
The authority has ruled out changes to the 50 per cent discount for low-income residents. The business discount will continue as a £1 discount on the new off-peak user charges. TfL stated the price increases are to account for inflation, similar to the 5.8 per cent rise in fares on the London Underground, Elizabeth line, Overground, and DLR in March.
TfL is currently consulting with councils in East and South East London about the revised increases.
Background on the tunnels
The Silvertown Tunnel opened in April 2025 to ease congestion across East and South East London. It also reduced strain on the nearby Blackwall Tunnel but introduced a toll on the latter for the first time since it opened in 1897.
