It’s official the new Silvertown Tunnel is set to open on 7 April 2025 and with it comes the new toll charge for both the new Silvertown Tunnel and existing Blackwall Tunnel.
The new route options for drivers travelling from south to north will be either to take the Blackwall Tunnel and enter East London and connect to the A12 or they can take the new Silvertown Tunnel which brings them out to near City Airport and the Beckton area. Which is a great option and reduces the amount of vehicles going through the Blackwall tunnel and then driving across the A13 to get to those areas.
The new tunnel comes with a toll charge as announced by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. The charges differ depending on the type of vehicle and the time of day you’re travelling.
We’ll first list the cost for cars as the majority of PHV drivers will be using this mode of vehicle.
Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel Charging Times for Cars
06:00 to 22:00 (6am to 10pm) – 7 Days a week
Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel Pricing for Cars
Remember the charge is each way, so if you travel back you will need to pay twice.
Off-peak charges: £1.50 (if you use Auto pay)
Peak time charges: £4.00
If you do not use Auto Pay, then you will be charged £4.00 regardless of off-peak or peak times.
What are the peak times for Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel?
Monday to Friday
06:00 to 10:00 (6am to 10am) – If you are travelling Northbound (travelling from South London to North side of the tunnel which takes you into East London)
16:00 – 19:00 (4pm to 7pm) – If you are travelling Southbound (travelling from North side of the Tunnel, so from East London to South London)
When is the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel Free to use?
There is no charge between 22:00 to 6:00 – 10pm to 6am
Here is a chart with the prices for all types of vehicles using the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel from 7 April 2025
How to pay the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel Charge
You can use the tunnels and then pay the charge by the midnight on the third day after your journey.
The charge can be paid via your phone, but to save money it would be wiser to sign up to TfL’s Autopay service. Here is a link to Auto Pay – https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/auto-pay
Are Private Hire Vehicles Exempt from the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel Charge?
Some will be exempt; it depends on your vehicle. Private Hire Vehicles that are Zero-emission capable or are registered wheelchair-accessible PHV’s will be exempt only if they are carrying out a booking.
All other PHV’s will still need to pay the charge, even if they are carrying out a booking.
However, if you are a PHV driver receives certain low-income benefits, they can apply for 50% discount. These benefits include Income Support, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit or Housing Benefit.
To be eligible for the 50% discount, the drivers will need be receiving one of these benefits and also be living in one of the following boroughs; Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, City of London, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest.
Another discount that is available is for any driver who has registered as a small business. You can claim £1 discount on the off-peak charge for up to 3 vehicles for the first 12 months from when the tunnel opens.
For the small business discount, the driver will need to have a business registered in the following boroughs, Greenwich, Newham or Tower Hamlets.
What happens if I don’t pay or forget to pay the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel Charge?
If you do not pay or forget to pay on time, you will receive a penalty charge notice of £180, which is reduced to £90 if you pay within 2 weeks.
We encourage drivers to sign up to TfL’s Auto Pay option for the new Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel charge to avoid any penalties and make sure you take advantage of any and all the discount schemes offered.
