Drivers using two major Thames crossings in London are paying more from today as new charges take effect at the Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel.
The updated fees raise costs by between 3.3% and 5%, depending on vehicle type and travel time. The changes come after the Silvertown Tunnel opened in April 2025, introducing charges at both crossings.
New Fees Apply Across Vehicle Categories
According to BBC, the new pricing system is designed to manage traffic levels, recover the cost of building the Silvertown Tunnel, and support the operation and maintenance of both tunnels.
For cars and small vans, the off-peak charge rises by 5p to £1.55, while the peak charge increases by 20p to £4.20.
Motorcycles, mopeds and motor tricycles will pay £1.55 during off-peak periods and £2.60 during peak periods. Large vans will see charges rise to £2.60 off-peak and £6.80 at peak times.
Heavy goods vehicles will face the largest increases, with off-peak crossings rising to £5.25 and peak crossings reaching £10.50.
Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel fees increased ➡️ https://t.co/55twugjbrR pic.twitter.com/NAHM02OtLN
— BBC London (@BBCLondonNews) September 21, 2026
Peak Travel Times Continue To Affect Prices
The charges apply in both directions between 06:00 and 22:00 every day.
On weekdays, the higher peak rate applies to northbound journeys between 06:00 and 10:00 and southbound journeys between 16:00 and 19:00.
Drivers must use Auto Pay to access the lower off-peak rates. Those who pay online or by phone are charged the higher rate regardless of when they travel.
TfL Explains The Purpose Behind The Charges
Christina Calderato from TfL said: “The tunnel user charges are designed to manage traffic demand – which then enables wider objectives like improving the road network’s performance and resilience, encouraging use of public transport and active travel, and supporting economic growth. Without the tunnel user charge, there would be more traffic and congestion, with negative impacts on air quality and journey times.”
She added: “A small increase to the tunnel user charges to account for inflation would ensure the user charge remains at the right level to manage traffic demand at the tunnels and achieve the project’s other objectives effectively.”
Some Drivers Can Access Discounts And Exemptions
Emergency service vehicles, TfL-licensed taxis, and some buses and coaches do not pay the tunnel charges.
Blue Badge holders can apply for free tunnel use, while people receiving certain benefits who live in 12 east London boroughs or the City of London can receive a 50% discount.
Small businesses, sole traders and charities based in Greenwich, Newham, and Tower Hamlets may qualify for a £1 reduction on off-peak crossings for up to three vehicles.
The Blackwall Tunnel had allowed drivers to cross without a charge since opening in 1897, until the introduction of the new tunnel charging system in 2025.
