Sadiq Khan’s proposed Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charges have been criticised by MPs and drivers who argue the costs will “hammer” motorists.
The proposed charges, set to be implemented when the Silvertown Tunnel opens in 2025, are part of Transport for London’s plan to manage traffic levels and improve air quality in the area.
Gareth Bacon, Conservative MP for Orpington, has voiced strong opposition to the plans, warning that the charges will“hammer local motorists even more”.
In a letter to the Commissioner of Transport Andy Lord, he shared his concerns over the charges. He also accused Mayor Sadiq Khan of misleading the public and argued that alternative methods should be explored to balance TfL’s books without further taxing drivers.
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The proposed charging scheme would see drivers paying to use both the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels from 6am to 10pm daily.
TfL would impose a standard off-peak rate of £1.50 for cars, motorbikes, and small vans registered for Auto Pay. During peak hours, charges would increase by £1 for motorbikes and £2.50 for cars and small vans. These peak rates would apply northbound from 6am to 10am and southbound from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.
TfL stated that the charges are necessary to manage traffic levels, improve air quality, and fund the new infrastructure.
Without them, they claim congestion would increase in both tunnels, leading to delays and poorer air quality. However, Bacon said the charges are just another “financial burden” on London’s drivers, coming only a year after the Ulez expansion.
To address concerns about the impact on local residents and businesses, TfL has proposed a range of discounts and exemptions.
These include a 50 per cent discount for low-income drivers in east London boroughs and a £1 discount on standard off-peak charges for small businesses and charities. Additionally, Blue Badge holders registered with TfL would be exempt from charges, as would taxis and certain private hire vehicles.
TfL also plans to offer free cross-river bus and DLR travel for local residents for at least one year, as well as a free cycle shuttle service through the Silvertown Tunnel. NHS staff and eligible patients would be able to claim refunds under the NHS reimbursement scheme.
Despite these concessions, Bacon that the charges will still place an unfair burden on motorists and local communities.
In the letter to the commissioner, it warned: “The rates chosen for the Silvertown Tunnel charge will impact many motorists at an already difficult financial time following the deeply unpopular Ulez extension to Outer London.
“While a 50 per cent discount is offered to East Londoners on low income for a period of at least three years, this is simply not good enough.
“There are 33 bridges across the Thames in West London and none of them are tolled. Motorists should not be the target of yet another misguided policy by City Hall when the costs could be met through other means.”
As the 2025 opening of the Silvertown Tunnel approaches, the controversy surrounding these charges is likely to intensify.
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TfL recently ran a consultation over the proposed charges which ended in September with the travel authority now reviewing all the feedback from drivers.
