Blackwall And Silvertown Tunnel Tolls: How Much Will Van Drivers Pay?
From 7 April 2025, drivers (van and passenger) will be charged a fee to use the Blackwall Tunnel in London for the first time as part of a major effort to cut traffic at one of the UK’s most congested hotspots.
The new toll is being introduced to coincide with the official opening of the Silvertown Tunnel nearby, which will run under the River Thames and will also be subject to a charge to use it.
How Much Is The Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel Toll?
Much like the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at Dartford, the charges will be applied depending on the type of vehicle you are operating and how you pay (see below).
However, there is devil in the detail for van drivers with the term ‘small vans’ being subject to a lesser toll (up to £4.00 one way) than ‘large vans’ which will be charged more (up to £6.50).
If it is not clear which category your van falls into, the Transport for London website has a vehicle check search function that prompts you to input your registration plate for official confirmation of how much you’ll be charged.
The charges apply seven days a week, including weekends, but only between 06.00 and 22.00. The tunnel is free to use between 22.01 and 5.59, plus Christmas Day.
| Vehicle Type |
Auto Pay Off-Peak Charges Applies at all other times between 06:00-22:00,including weekends |
Auto Pay Peak Charges Monday to Friday only northbound 06:00-10:00, southbound 16:00-19:00 |
Charges Paid By Phone or Online At all charging times |
| Motorcycles, Mopeds, Motor Tricycles | £1.50 | £2.50 | £2.50 |
| Cars and Small Vans | £1.50 | £4.00 | £4.00 |
| Large Vans | £2.50 | £6.50 | £6.50 |
| Heavy Goods Vehicles | £5.00 | £10.00 | £10.00 |
How Will I Be Charged?
While the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge was notorious for its use of time-consuming physical toll booths for many years, it has now switched to a more efficient payment-after-use system to keep traffic flowing.
The same method will also be used for the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels. This means that you can use it without stopping at any time but must either have an auto-pay direct debit with your bank account arranged or pay manually online within 24-hours of using the tunnel.
- Auto Pay: Ideal for those planning to use either tunnel regularly, signing up to auto pay means your bank or credit account will be automatically charged if TfL’s surveillance systems register that you have passed through. To encourage more people to use auto pay, TfL will apply lower off-peak charges for much of the day (excluding peak times at 06.00-10.00 northbound, 16.00-19.00 southbound).
- Pay Online: You can also choose to pay manually after using the tunnel online at the TfL or Gov.uk website. However, you must do this within 24 hours of using either tunnel, either way or risk a fine, and you will be charged a peak rate at all times.
Concessions are available for those who live nearby, are on Universal Credit or Income Support, among other welfare - visit the TfL website for more information
What Is The Silvertown Tunnel?
It is hoped the new Silvertown Tunnel, which is located further along the River Thames at the River Lea estuary on the north side, will divert a significant portion of traffic away from the nearby Blackwall Tunnel.
Indeed, while the southbound entrance to the tunnel is positioned around two miles east of the Blackwall Tunnel, the exit (northbound entrance) rejoins the A102 close to the south side Blackwall Tunnel approach/departure.
Its route will pass almost directly under the passage of the Emirates Cable Car that operates from Docklands to the O2 arena.
It is hoped the addition of a new sub-river road route will cut as much as 20 minutes off Thamas crossing journeys.
One of the outcomes of its construction is a plan to increase the number of public transportation routes with more than 20 buses expected to make the crossing per hour, up from just six.
Why Am I Being Charged?
Given there is precious little that can be done to modify the Blackwall Tunnel structurally to allow for more efficient travel – hence the construction of a new tunnel close by – there is understandable frustration at the implementation of a toll now for something that has been in place for more than 100 years.
However, the charges have been introduced to encourage an alternative means of travel in an effort to alleviate the strain on congestion at this infamous bottleneck. In the meantime, the funds raised from the toll will go towards ensuring maintenance and repairs for its continued use.
Both tunnels fall within the catchment area for London’s ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone).
When Was The Blackwall Tunnel Built?
The Blackwall Tunnel, which is located in East London and connects Tower Hamlets and Greenwich via a 1350-metre route under the River Thamas, was constructed in 1897 and originally used by horse-and-cart and pedestrians.
As time wore on, it handled more automotive use, leading to a second bore being opened in 1967 for southbound traffic, while the original bore took northbound vehicles.
It is these dated origins that has necessitated the opening of a new tunnel at Silvertown. Indeed, the original tunnel especially isn’t a straight route, requiring some gingerly progress at 30mph to pass along the slender lanes.
Moreover, the entrance to both tunnels can only accommodate two lanes, which are filtered down from three lanes on approach. This creates a regular bottleneck of traffic as drivers are forced to slow and manoeuvre into position, making the Blackwall Tunnel one of the most congested spots on the UK road network.
Will I Be Charged To Use The Rotherhithe Tunnel?
No. You won’t be charged for using the Rotherhithe Tunnel closer to Central London and there are no plans to introduce one.
However, several bridges in Central London are subject to Transport for London’s Congestion Charge.
