The Blackwall Tunnel and the future Silvertown Tunnel, two significant Thames river crossings in London, will have new prices starting on April 7, 2025. You should become familiar with the new Blackwall Tunnel Charges and Silvertown Tunnel Charges if you are driving. This blog addresses your frequently asked questions and explains who pays what, when, how to pay, and any exemptions (even for London cab drivers).

What are the Silvertown and blackwall tunnels charges?

The Blackwall Tunnel used to be free to use. Both now have toll-style fees due to the building of the Silvertown Tunnel, a new river bridge designed to reduce traffic in London's east.

Vehicles utilising either tunnel between 6:00 and 22:00 every day are subject to the Blackwall Tunnel Charges and Silvertown Tunnel Charges. The passage is free beyond certain hours.

Conference on Rad User Charging 2025 

How much are the charges?

The key numbers for cars and small vans are listed here, along with a few additional vehicle classifications. The specifics change depending on the type of vehicle and the time of day:

  • Peak hours (only on weekdays): £4 for automobiles and small vans each way, northbound from 06:00 to 10:00 and southbound from 16:00 to 19:00.
  • When registered for AutoPay, off-peak hours (06:00–22:00 but outside of daily peak windows) are £1.50 per way for cars and small vans.
  • Free overnight (22:00–06:00).
  • Motorcycles: £1.50 off-peak and £2.50 peak.
  • Large vans: £2.50 off-peak, £6.50 peak.

Therefore, you may have to pay up to £8 for a round-trip drive via either tunnel during rush hour. 

Why introduce these charges?

There are primarily two reasons:

 

  • Congestion and air quality:

 

Approximately 100,000 cars pass through the Blackwall Tunnel every day; it is extremely crowded and prone to accidents. A portion of that burden is intended to be relieved by the new Silvertown Tunnel.

 

  • Financing the infrastructure:

 

In addition to preventing free traffic from merely switching between crossings, the toll money helps fund the building and upkeep of the new tunnel. 

Who is exempt or gets discounts?

Drivers (particularly London cab operators) should be aware of the following:

 

  • Exempt vehicles: 

 

Transport for London (TfL)-licensed wheelchair-accessible private hire cars, buses, coaches, taxis, Blue Badge holders, and vehicles with zero emissions may all be completely excluded.

 

  • Discounts:

 

Small businesses in Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Greenwich can qualify for a £1 off-peak discount (must use AutoPay); low-income drivers in the City of London and the 12 designated East/South-East London boroughs receive 50% off.

 

  • AutoPay registration matters:

 

You must register your car in the TfL AutoPay system in order to take advantage of the lowest off-peak tariff (such as £1.50). You will be charged the higher fee if you do not register.

For those working in the London taxi industry, operating a (licensed) taxi usually exempts you from these tunnel fees. This is important for taxi drivers who cross the Thames in East London.

How to pay & what happens if you don’t?

 

  • Register for AutoPay: 

 

This makes sure you pay the right rate automatically by connecting your car and payment method.

 

  • Or pay manually:

 

online through TfL, over the phone, or through the TfL "Pay-to-Drive" app or portal.

Transportation to London

 

  • Non-payment leads to penalties:

 

Penalties result from nonpayment: Each vehicle may be subject to a penalty charge (e.g., £180, reduced to £90 if within 14 days) if payment is not made.

Important advice: To guarantee you receive the best prices and prevent unintentionally paying the higher tariff, sign up for AutoPay even if you don't go during peak hours.

Implications for drivers & taxi London operators

 

  • For general motorists:

 

When planning routes across the Thames in East London, keep these additional fees in mind. It can cause you to use other crossings or times (midnight) or alter your cost calculations.

 

  • For taxi London drivers:

 

Fortunately, you won't have to pay the Silvertown or Blackwall tunnel fees for those excursions because registered taxis are exempt. In that regard, this maintains the stability of your operational costs.

 

  • Consider time of day: 

 

It will cost less or nothing if you can move your trip outside of peak hours or between 22:00 and 06:00.

 

  • Alternate routes/transport:

 

Due to the new tolls, some cars choose to use free crossings or think about using public transportation instead (particularly with new bus routes through Silvertown).

For many passengers, remembering to pay tolls, checking peak hours, and dealing with PCNs is more trouble than it’s worth. That’s why the London taxi offers a seamless alternative.

When you use us to reserve a minicab:

  • There are no hidden fees because your fare covers all tunnel charges.
  • No registration or TfL payment management is required.
  • Prevent expensive penalties or late payments.
  • Get quickly picked up and dropped off in East and South London.

 

FAQs:

Q1: What are the Blackwall Tunnel Charges?

As part of the plan implemented when the Silvertown Tunnel opened, these relate to the toll or charge imposed when travelling through the Blackwall Tunnel during the charging hours (06:00–22:00). Cars and small vans cost £4 during peak hours and £1.50 during off-peak hours (with AutoPay).

Q2: What are the Silvertown Tunnel Charges?

The Silvertown Tunnel, which opened on April 7, 2025, has tolls. Cars pay £4 peak and £1.50 off-peak (with AutoPay), which is the same as the Blackwall Tunnel.