London road network is always changing, and one of the biggest upcoming updates is the introduction of toll charges for the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels.
These two crossings connect south and east London under the River Thames, helping thousands of vehicles travel between Greenwich, Tower Hamlets, and Newham every day.
To manage traffic, reduce congestion, and support the cost of the new Silvertown Tunnel, Transport for London (TfL) will soon introduce a toll charge for both tunnels.
In this guide, we’ll explain how much the charges will be, when they start, how to pay, and what drivers can expect.
What Are the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels?
The Blackwall Tunnel charges is one of London’s most important river crossings, linking the A102 on the south side with the A12 on the north. It first opened in 1897, with a second bore added in 1967 to help manage the growing number of vehicles.
Today, it’s one of the busiest routes in London, used by commuters, delivery drivers, and travelers heading toward east London, Essex, and Kent.
The Silvertown Tunnel, currently under construction, is a brand-new twin-bore road tunnel located just east of the Blackwall Tunnel.
It’s being built to ease congestion, improve reliability, and provide an alternative crossing for drivers. Once completed, both tunnels will operate side by side, helping reduce the heavy traffic jams that often occur around Blackwall.
However, both tunnels will be subject to a new toll charge once the Silvertown Tunnel opens. This is part of TfL’s plan to manage demand and cover construction and maintenance costs.
When Will the Charges Start?
The toll charges for the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels are expected to begin in 2025, around the same time the Silvertown Tunnel officially opens to traffic.
The exact start date hasn’t been confirmed yet, but Transport for London has stated that the charge will begin once both tunnels are fully operational. Drivers will have plenty of notice before the tolls go live, and information will be available on TfL’s official website, road signs, and news updates.
Why Are There Toll Charges?
The introduction of tolls has two main purposes:
- To fund the Silvertown Tunnel project.
Building and maintaining the Silvertown Tunnel is a massive investment. The toll helps recover construction costs and ensures funds are available for long-term operation and maintenance. - To manage congestion and air quality.
By charging a fee, TfL aims to control traffic levels and encourage more people to use public transport, especially during peak times. The goal is to reduce pollution, improve journey reliability, and maintain smoother traffic flow on both sides of the river.
Essentially, these charges are not just about raising money—they’re also about creating a more balanced and environmentally friendly transport system for London.
Expected Toll Prices
Although the final prices are yet to be officially confirmed by TfL, early estimates suggest that toll charges could range between:
- £1.50 to £2.50 for cars and motorcycles
- £3.00 to £4.00 for vans and small commercial vehicles
- £5.00 or more for larger goods vehicles, lorries, and coaches
These charges are likely to vary based on the time of day, vehicle type, and whether it’s a weekday or weekend. Similar to the Dartford Crossing, drivers will probably be encouraged to pay online or automatically through an account system.
Discounts or exemptions may also be available for:
- Local residents in nearby boroughs (such as Greenwich and Newham)
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- Blue Badge holders or disabled drivers
- Registered business fleets with frequent crossings
TfL has confirmed that exact prices, discounts, and payment rules will be announced closer to the official launch.
How to Pay the Tunnel Toll
Payment for the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charges will likely follow a similar system to the Dart Charge used at the Dartford Crossing. Drivers won’t stop at the tunnel; instead, cameras will automatically capture vehicle number plates as they pass through.
You’ll be able to pay in several easy ways:
- Online via the official TfL portal.
- Automatically by setting up an account linked to your vehicle (recommended for regular users).
- Mobile app or phone payment.
- Retail pay points at select convenience stores or petrol stations (if offered).
Drivers will usually have until midnight the following day to pay their charge. Failure to pay on time will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), likely ranging between £60 and £160, depending on when payment is made.
Setting up an automatic payment account will be the simplest and most convenient way to avoid fines.
Who Will Be Affected by the Toll Charges?
The new toll system will affect all vehicles using the Blackwall or Silvertown Tunnels, except for specific exempt categories. This means commuters, residents, taxi drivers, delivery services, and businesses that regularly travel between south and east London will all need to factor the toll into their journey costs.
While the charge may feel like an added expense, TfL argues that the benefits such as shorter queues, reduced emissions, and more predictable travel times will make up for it in the long run.
For people living or working near the tunnels, a local discount scheme may apply, ensuring nearby residents don’t face unfair costs for essential travel.
Benefits of the Toll System
Although paying a toll may not sound appealing, there are several long-term benefits for drivers and the local community:
1. Less Congestion
Blackwall Tunnel has long been one of London’s worst bottlenecks. The addition of the Silvertown Tunnel and toll charges will help spread traffic more evenly, reducing long queues during rush hours.
2. Improved Air Quality
With smoother traffic flow and fewer idling vehicles, emissions will decrease, helping improve air quality in the surrounding areas.
3. Faster, More Reliable Journeys
Drivers will spend less time stuck in traffic and enjoy a more predictable crossing time between south and east London.
4. Support for Public Transport
The toll system will encourage some travellers to switch to public transport, helping reduce road pressure and supporting London’s sustainable transport goals.
5. Funding for Future Improvements
Revenue from tolls will go toward maintaining both tunnels and possibly funding future infrastructure improvements in London.
How to Prepare for the Changes
If you regularly use the Blackwall Tunnel, now is a good time to prepare for the upcoming changes. Here’s what you can do:
- Stay updated – Follow TfL announcements and local news for the latest information on toll prices and start dates.
- Plan your routes – Consider alternative routes or travel times to avoid peak-hour tolls if flexible.
- Register for an account – Once the payment system is available, set up an automatic payment account to make life easier.
- Check eligibility for discounts – If you live nearby, drive an electric vehicle, or have a Blue Badge, look into potential exemptions or reduced rates.
- Budget accordingly – Factor toll costs into your travel or business expenses, especially if you cross the river regularly.
By preparing early, you can avoid fines, save time, and adjust smoothly once the toll system is introduced.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel toll charges marks a big change for London’s road users. While it means an extra cost for drivers, the system aims to make travel fairer, faster, and more environmentally sustainable.
Both tunnels will work together to reduce congestion, improve reliability, and deliver a better experience for those travelling across the Thames. The revenue generated will help maintain the tunnels and support ongoing improvements in London’s transport network.
If you drive in or around east London, it’s important to stay informed and plan ahead. Knowing the costs, payment methods, and start date will help you avoid penalties and keep your journey stress-free.
The Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel toll charges represent a modern approach to managing one of London’s busiest crossings making travel smarter, cleaner, and more efficient for everyone.